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NO 3/2009 195,- CZK
Leaders Magazine No 3/2009
incl. electronic version
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Sanjay Samaddar CEO & Chairman of the Board, ArcelorMittal Ostrava photo: Drahoslav Ramík
Prague City Hall
Gala Evening
EU Matters
Sport Event
National Theatre
Prague Spring
9th Annual Gala
Dare and Care
Synot Tip Arena
Rinaldo
Festival Opening
Benefit Evening Trebbia
European Business Summit
The Multifunctional Stadium
Georg Friedrich Haendel
On the 12th of May, Lord Mayor of Prague, MUDr. Pavel Bém officially opened the 64th...
Presenting of European Trebbia Awards for Support of Culture and Creative Activities...
The 7th European Business Summit took the place in Brussels on 26th and 27th March 2009...
E Side Property Limited entered a partnership on April 1st, 2009 with SYNOT TIP...
Lovers of baroque opera enjoyed the opening night of Georg Friedrich Handel’s opera Rinaldo...
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10.2.2009 10:32:10
LEADERS MAGAZINE COVERING TOP PRAGUE EVENTS For Full Photocoverage Go To www.leadersmagazine.cz/photogallery
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19.5.2009 9:14:16
friends of Kampa
From left: Ing. Jiří F. Grund, CEO, Golf Club u Hrádečku, s.r.o. (Grund Resort Golf & Ski), PhDr. Albín Sybera, Owner of Hotel U Jezulátka and CEO Sybera Enterprises, MUDr. Ota Schütz, Owner of Žilní klinika, Kristian Kodet, Owner of Kodet Galerie, Ivan Pilný, President of Tuesday Business Network, Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Jan Tašek, Managing Director and Co-Partner, ASE, s.r.o.
Off the Record
AT HOTEL U JEZULÁTKA more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
From left: Ing. Jiří F. Grund, CEO, Golf Club u Hrádečku, s.r.o. (Grund Resort Golf & Ski) and PhDr. Albín Sybera, Owner of Hotel U Jezulátka
From left: Kristian Kodet, Owner of Kodet Galerie and MUDr. Ota Schütz, Owner of Žilní klinika
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From left: Ivan Pilný, President of Tuesday Business Network and Benke Aikell, your Publisher
A toast – rose wine from Stapleton – Springer
15.5.2009 10:30:27
REZIDENCE LANNOVA
an Opportunity of a Lifetime
A unique building structure that few people are talking about is emerging on Lannova Street in the heart of Prague. Appropriately named Rezidence Lannova, this elegant apartment complex situated on the bank of the Vltava River can’t be seen on billboards and there is no advertising campaign touting its virtues. Indeed, Lannova is sliding into the world of luxury living through the back door. And since there are no comparable projects in the Czech Republic to speak of, you might argue that it’s creating this world itself. From an urban perspective, the historical center of the Czech capital is extremely unusual. Every developer dreams of realizing a project in the heart of Prague. Construction in Prague’s center is
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generally restricted to the revamping of an existing historical structure or – in much rarer cases – the redevelopment of precious vacant land. “The land that Rezidence Lannova now stands on was formerly occupied by a building with considerable structural damage that had to be demolished,” explains Jaromír Jech, Director of Wadia. “That presented us with a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we couldn’t let pass us by. This is a one-of-a-kind patch of land so we thought it would be appropriate to put up a one-of-a-kind building. Not just architecturally, but in the materials and state-of-the-art technology we used, not to mention the services we’ll be offering residents.” What makes this address unique in your opinion? “It’s the only spot in the old historical center on the right bank of the Vltava that isn’t surrounded by noisy trams and busy transportation. It’s a vast park. A building with a view to a park in this part of Prague 1 is something completely unusual. When you look out one window you see a landing for sight-seeing boats. A short walk from the river will take you from Petrské Square all the way to
Pařížská Street, via quiet narrow streets and small squares with quaint coffee shops and boutiques that few tourists find. This is a little corner of Prague that comes to life every morning, people sipping coffee in outdoor cafes, lovely young ladies arranging bouquets at the local flower shop. And all the while you’re only a few steps from the bustle of Na Příkopě, the Municipal House and the Palladium shopping center.” And the building itself? What makes it exceptional? “If you take the interior, we tried to create a structure with a timeless design that will never age. That extremely difficult task was carried out by the architect, Pavel Obermann. Rezidence Lannova is now part of the Vltava river bank, so we constantly strived to preserve the flavor of Prague’s architectural history. As for the interior, we brought in architects such as Barbora Škorpilová, who studied at the architecture and design studios of Bořek Šípek. Barbora has a great eye for detail and a wonderful feeling for materials. She designed the interior of the reception, the common areas as well as the roof apartment. The other flats were designed according to the wishes of their individual owners, who all had the opportunity to inject their own personal style into the apartments.” What unusual technologies and materials did you use? “I guess I should coin a phrase here that we don’t use to often in the construction business,
15.5.2009 14:55:52
but one which seems to best capture what we’ve done here: Rezidence Lannova is a trend setter constructed with skill, craftsmanship and the best materials money can buy. We’ve built this structure with painstaking accuracy, using proven, yet cutting-edge technology. Rezidence Lannova is what we call a smart building constructed with all the amenities you can imagine. We believe that luxury is not only about high quality, but also practicality.” Will the services offered be in line with your idea of high quality living? “We realize that our clients are very busy people. They travel a lot and have very little time. The services we offer center around that. Before we even hand a flat over we speak with the owners to find out what their needs are. They might include cleaning services, childproofing measures or the purchase of design and décor items. Even if a client only spends a week per month in Prague we see to t it th thatt th the freshl hly cleaned l d suitit is i ready d and the vase is filled with fresh flowers.” You’ve been meeting with clients and potential homeowners for a while now. What has been their reaction? “It’s been very pleasant. They say they hadn’t seen any other project like this in Prague. There’s really ll nothing thi g lik like it iin allll off th the C Czechh R Republic bli and there are only a few examples in the whole of Europe. They also say that no one had ever given so much attention to their opinions, personal preferences and needs.” By Lucie Hniličková I
Architect, Pavel Obermann An exceptional building “Each and every structure speaks a language of its own and reveals something of the soul of its creator. Rezidence Lannova is to me like a meetingg with an exceptional p pperson – individualistic,, captivatingly distinct, unwilling to compromise – the type of person who naturally assumes authority and attracts attention. Those kinds of traits are seen very rarely in a structure.” Architect, Barbora Škorpilová I’m creatingg a storyy “I don’t want the story I’m creating with the client to be a pointless tale. It has to reflect our desire to do something with maximum impact and an understanding of what the client needs and expects. I wanted to bring an element from each and every apartment into the common areas of the structure using friendly, soft materials that give off an energy of serenity and comfort. Those are the feelings that should overwhelm the homeowner and his or her guests the minute they walk into the building.” Valet and Limousine If you’re interested in the details of Rezidence Lannova, you’ll no doubt discover that the project is exceptional in every way. Residents have access to superintendent services of the highest level, a valet service, top notch maintenance work, catering and much more.
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14.5.2009 20:03:37
Dear Readers, Right now, while I am preparing my Publisher’s note, I am sittingg inn the Restaurant Giardin ino, in o, Záh áhře ř bře ská 24, Praguee 2 oout u side in th ut thei eirr ei garden. I am a hav avin ingg a faant in n astic Caessar ar Sal a ad ad,, to togetherr withh ho h me maade cririsp i py br brea ead, ea d, a ggla lass la ss of Pi Pino nott no Griingo, ac Gr acco comp co mpan mpan anie i d by my do dogg Rhea Rh ea, wh ea who is of coour u se morre intere rest re sted st ed in ge gett ttin tt ingg so in some me breead from om me thhan a enjoying thhiss gre reat at afte af terr noon. I am ba te b sk skin ingg in tthe in hee unusuallllllyy wa warm rm sum mme merr we weat athe at her for earlly Ma he Mayy an andd myy tthhoughts andd re an refl eflflec ectition onss go bbac on ackk to wha ac what at haas ha happ happ ppen ened en ed sin since ce tthe he last ast is issu suee of Lea eadeers Magazzinne. I not otic ot iced ic ed we ha h ve covered man any im an mpo port rtan rt antt an evven ents ts aass you caan seee in tthiss is issue, Dea earr Re ea Read ader ad erss. PPar er arr titicu cula cu larlrlrly, la y, jjus ut to menntion a few ew,, I thinkk of Europea E an Ba Bank nkin nk ingg & Fi in Fina nancial Foruum, na organi nize ni zedd by CCoomenius, ze s thee 99th s, th TTreebb bbiia Award rdss Gaala at Obbec rd ecní Dům, Dů m, broaddca cast sted st ed lliv ivve in tthe he Cze C ze zech Repubbliic, Slo lova vaki va kiaa an ki andd regi re gioonally in Ge gi Germ rmanny, the fam rm mou ouss tr t addititio iona io nall Pr na Prag ague ag ue Spr priing pr Open Op enin en ing, in g, the manyy se sem minars and nd cconnfe fere renc re nces rrel nc elated to th el thee Czeech EU PPre resi re s de dency, thee ppreemi mier eres er es ffro rom ro m Maro roni ro ni D Diaablo such as Tccha haiik vskyy’s ope ko p raa EEug ugen ug enee On Oneg egin eg in and Han andeel’’s opper an eraa Ri Rina nald na ldo, ld o, concer erts ts by FO FOKK, exciting ma matc tche hes by Slaavi viaa Fooot otba ballll CClubb and the grea gr eatt Ja Jazz z at thee Castle eve vening ngss in tthe he ppre resenc ncee of o President Václ Vá c av Klaus. Re Read ad als lsoo ca care refu fullllyy ou ourr in intere ressting Intervvieews fro r m top leve vel pe personal alititie iess frfrom om tthee BBuusiness, Med ediccal, Diplom mat atic sph pher ere. e. I am m aals lsoo ex exci citedd by oouur web pag agee, whi hich ch w wee ar aree co cons nsta tant ntly tryi tr ying ng ttoo im impr prove, and the rres e pons nsee we gget et ffro rom cu curirious readeerss frfroom all ove verr th the world. d. W We ha have ve nnow wm monthly ca 3, 3,0000 visits annd ca 7,0000 ppagge vi view ewss frfrom om 93 93 co c un unttries. Our elect ctro ronic vers rsio ionn of tthe he Mag Magaz azin inee ge gets ca 800 visitt s and ca 12,0000 pagge vi view ewss frfrom om 33 ccou ount ntriies es. Another thing I want to mention is our new concept in partnership with AIESEC and Civic Concepts International to launch a new leadership project for young ambitious students. Entitled “Leaders Dialogue”, it is a pioneering initiative designed to facilitate an open dialogue between the leaders of today and the leaders of tomorrow. Each month European leaders in the fields of business, government, diplomacy and culture will be invited to our Leaders Dialogue and answer questions from students and give tips and advice on how to master the art of leadership. Through the pages of Leaders Magazine they will speak to the students and others about their experiences, share Myy ddo M dog og R og Rhheeaa their ideas and offer advice on how to be a responsible leader. A very exciting project. Dear Readers, after finishing a delicious lemon and strawberry sorbet my dog Rhea demands my attention, meaning that there are more important things in life than culinary indulgencies and I must focus more on her needs – food and exploring nature, so you have to exc xcus usee me for finis ishi h ng thi hiss Pu Publ b isshe her’rs no n te te..
events 3 20 22 26 28
31 34 37 40 43 44 46 66 68 74 78 84 88 91 114 124 125 136 140
page 104 – Summit EU–USA
Off the Record at Hotel U Jezulátka Lions Club Prague Eagle Round Table of Comenius with the Deputy Minister of Defense František Padělek and the Chief of the General Staff of ACR Lieutenant General Vlastimil Picek Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador EEuropean BBanking ki & Fi Financial i l FForum 2009 att th the PParnas RRestaurant t t – SSpecial i l Dinner with Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic on the Occasion of the 17th Annual Event European Banking & Financial Forum 2009 – Welcome Reception European Banking & Financial Forum 2009 – Day 1: How Different Will the World Come Out of the Current Financial Crisis? European Banking & Financial Forum 2009 – Day 2: Czech National Bank (ČNB) European Banking & Financial Forum 2009 – Day 3: Lord Mayor´s Residence La Vinotheque NOBLE CLUB 1357 Opening of the First Sheraton Hotel in Prague Lions Club Prague Eagle – Political/Diplomatic Evening Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador at Restaurant Pelikan Synot Tip Arena Prague Spring Festival Opening Chicago Global Cities Forum Lukoil Reception at the Russian Embassy Mošnov š Ai Airportt Presenttatition off th the Geofifin G Group Memb M bers Sandvik (SCPT) 15 Years in the Czech Republic Slavia – Sparta at Synot Tip Arena Gala Evening of the Building Fairs Brno 60th Birthday of Jiří Škrla, CEO, BVV Trade Fairs Brno Second Prestige Ball at Žofín Afiz Hosts Projectt €qualifise in Prague page 52– Trebbia
I wi wish s you allll a ggreeat springg an andd summer. Yourr s si sinc n erely,
Benkee Aike ikell elll I benk be nke. e.aikeell@ @leaade ders rsma maga gazi zine ne.c .czz www ww w.le lead ader e sm mag agazine.cz
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Lead Le adeers Ma ad Maga g ziine III II// 2009 2 9
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interviews
contributors
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Even in Difficult Times An interview with Sanjay Samaddar, CEO & Chairman of the Board, ArcelorMittal Ostrava The Deum An interview with Pavel Svoboda, former Minister of the Government of the Czech Republic and Chairman of the Government Legislative Council Extremism? There Is No Fast Solution An interview with Michael Kocáb, Minister of the Government of the Czech Republic for Human Rights and National Minorities Czech-Slovak Relations are Friendly and Trouble-free An interview with H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia to the Czech Republic The Czech Health Care System Provides for Only a Little Motivation of Both the Provider and the Patients An interview with Professor MUDr. Julius Špičák, CSc., Head of the Clinic of Hepatogastroenterology of the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) It Is All about Personal Commitment An interview with Prof. Josef Vymazal, M.D., PhD, Head of Department of Radiodiagnostic and MR Unit of the Na Homolce Hospital Different Experience An interview with H.E. Jaakov Levy, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Czech Republic Information: a Key Component of Business Success An interview with Hana Pavlištová, Managing Director of the Czech Information Agency (ČIA) 18 18-hole hole Golf Course with 19 Holes An interview with Vladimír Motlík, President of the Prague City Golf Club Reliable Functioning of Toll System Improves Kapsch’s Reputation in the Czech Republic An interview with Karel Feix, Chief Executive Officer of Kapsch We’re Calling for a Clean Energy New Deal An interview with Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) I am a Team Person An interview with Roman Onderka, the Mayor of the City of Brno and the Vice President of the Social Democratic Party I See the Major Importance in Prevention, Therapy and Completely New Ways of Medicine An interview with Professor MUDr. Pavel Kuchyňka, PhD, the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology of the Faculty Hospital Královské Vinohrady There Are Still Few Women at the Highest Posts in Diplomacy An interview with Marie Chatardová, Head of Dipplomatic Protocol at the Ministryy of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic AŽD Praha Scores in Railways Field An interview with Mr. Zdeněk Chrdle, Director General of AŽD Praha, s.r.o.
culture events 52 61 90 116 118 130 131 134
9th Annual Gala Benefit Evening Trebbia Jiří Kornatovský Exhibition (*1952) Geofin Ball March and April of the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK Jazz at the Castle with Milcho Quintet Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin Georg Friedrich Haendel: Rinaldo Eva Chmelová Exhibition Paintings at Gallery SOGA Prague
Optimism is a Lack off Information/Ivan Pilný 13 Opportunities and Challenges in a Highly Volatile Environment/ Jörgen Hoolmé 25 The Gift of Friendship/Karin Genton L'Eppée 70 Where Have All the Good News Gone?/Jan Muehlfeit 72 The Energy-Climate Crisis is Your Business Part VIII: Let the Sun Shine–Limitless Energy, page 128 – An interview with Cheaper Than You Think1/ Marie Chatardová James A. Cusumano, PhD. 94 The Government Must Help Czech Entrepreneurs and Companies Conquer Eastern Markets/Petr Wolf 139 Fédération EuropéEnne des Conseils et Intermédiaires Financiers (FECIF)/Vincent J. Derudder
diplomatic events 58 142
Opening of the New Slovak Embassy State Visit of H.E. President Valdass Adamkus Adamk dam da mkuuss mk
page 116 – FOK
EU matters 96 99 102 104 106 107 108 1100 11 111
EU Foreign Ministers Meet in Southern Bohemia Business News International European Conference on Social Economy and Social Entreprise Summit EU – USA European Business Summit – Dare and Care Presidency Conference on Food Reesearch to Enhance Food Saffett y Brussels Forum 2009 Czec Cz echF hFla lash sh Limits to labour Market Mobility dooesn’t Help EU Competitiveness, on the Contrary! page 125 – 60th Birthday of Jiří Škrlaa, CEO, BVV Trade Fairs Brno
the good things in life 112
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Bordeaux 2008 Waiting for the Reduction of Prices???
87–90
18.5.2009 10:13:08
We are pleased to announce that we have considerably extended Leaders Magazine spread to include 80 top– notch restaurants in Prague. Total circulation: cca 20.000, bi–monthly Including 1400 magazines to Brussels
Aria Hotel Coda restaurant
225 334 791
Le Palais Hotel Prague Le Papillon 234 634 611
Crowne Plaza Harvest Restaurant
224 393 692
Readership total: cca 500.000
Prague Marriott Hotel Brasserie restaurant 222 888 888
Račanská vinárna
224 393 855
Leaders Magazine is sent as a compliment to: Those who are the most influential, powerful and affluent readers in the Czech Republic. To representatives of the businesssphere, diplomatic corps and to top goverment and mayor’s officials. On the board of the ČSA business class & VIP lounges of Prague aiport. We are also cooperating with Prague City Ci ty H Hal alll, C Czech ch Inv nves est, t, C Cze zech ch C Cen entr tree, Thee Cz Th Czech Medi dica cal Ch Cham ambber, all C Chambeers of Co Comm mmer erce ce, Fo Forum m Fr Franncophone Affa Af fair ires es, Českká Manažersská Aso soci ciac ace, e, CMC CM C Grad adua uatee Schooll of Bus usin ines e s, Universityy oof Ne New w Yo York rk in in Pr Prag ague, An Angl gloo A ericcan S Am Sch chool,l, U Unive vers rsity of Pitttsburg bu rghh, C CEE EELI Instititu tute te, Lions Clubbs, Rota Ro tary Clubs, The Pr Prag ague ue Soc Socie iety ty for for Int. Coope p ration,, CZEC ECH H TO TOPP 10 100, 0, Czecch 10 100 0 Be Best st, CEBRE, Eurotelegraph, The Senate, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Foreign Affairs, andd Ministry of Culture, Ano pro Evropu an many ma n more.
Grand Hotel Bohemia U Prašné brány 234 608 111
For sale in Luxor Bookstore at Václavské náměstí. Leaders Ma Maga gazi z ne iss av avaailaabl blee in aall room ro omss of tthe hese see ttop op ssta tarr fine ta ne hhot otel elss el andd th an thei eirr re ei rest stau st aura au r nt ra nts: (tel (t e ephoone numberr fo forr reeservation))
Hilton Prague CzechHouse Grill & Rotisserie
Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel La Rotonde 222 820 000
Sieber Hotel Restaurace h. Sieber 224 250 025
Contributors: Villiam Bucher, MF DNES, Vanessa Bulkacz, James A. Cusumano, David Creighton, Joseph Drebitko, EurActiv.cz, Karin Genton-L’Epée, Pavlína Holancová, Martina Hošková, Filip Hubáček, JUDr. Roman Jelínek, Ph.D., Zuzana Kasáková, Zuzana Krchňavá, Jan Muehlfeit, Euro2009.cz, Ivan Pilný, Věra Řiháčková
Top Hoteel Praha Top Rest stau aura rannt Bohemiattopp Tell. R Te Rec ecep epce ce:: 26 267 7 28 284 4 11 111 1
Marketing/Advertising: Michala Vosková, Ingrid Železníková, Max Salamatin, Alexander Fernando
Restaurant Alcron
222 820 000
Rezidence Lundborg Praha 257 011 911 224 842 700
Hilton Prague Old Town – Maze Restaurant 221 822 303 Holiday Inn Prague Cong Co ngre ress ss C Cen ente terr Esspr pritt
61 6 1 17 175 5 03 030 0
Hotel Be Bellllag agio io Rest Re stauraant IIsaabeella
221 77 778 99 999 9
Hotel Hoffme meiste terr R staurant Re nt Ada
25 2 51 017 133
Hotell In Hote Intterc rcon onttinental al PPra rahha Zlat Zl atáá Pr P ahha 296 29 6 63 631 1 111 Hotel Pa Palaace Praha Gourme met Club ub
Rezidence Nosticova Restaurant Alchymist 257 011 670
Audien Aud ence ce D cission makerss inn the fields of De busi bu sineess, publicc reelatio ions ns, in inde depe penn dent pro de rofe fess ssio ions ns and ddip iplomaacy cy, gove go vern rnme ment nt officia ials ls, local of offifici c alss.
225 22 5 77 777 7 77 7 7
Hotell Sa Hote Savo voy, y, Resta tauurace Hrad adčany 224 302 2 150 0 Kemp K empin insk skii – Hy Hybe bern ern r skká Hybernská 12 Hy 12,, 110 00 00, Pr Prah ahaa 1 ah hote ho tell & re te rest staaura st rant ra nt 226 22 6 22 26 111
Youu ca cann fifind the M Mag agaz ag azin az ine inn tthe in hese finee re he resstaaurants: (te telleph te phon ph onee nu on numb mber mb er ffor or rres eservaatitioon) es Ambi Am biennte – R bi Ris istorant is ntee nt Pastta Fr Pa Fresca Arom omi om Ambbiente – The Livvinng Am Resstaaurants Az teca ca Baro Ba r ckk Bar ro Ba & Caf aféé af Bellllevue Be lll e Brasserie Le Moliere B eak Café Br B gsy’s Baar Bu Cafe Ca fe La Ve Vera rand ra ndaa nd Cafe Ca fe S Savoy Cafe Ca fe De Paariss Caffé Re Resstaura aur nt au Prem Pr emié iéra raa Casanoovaa C’es C’ estt La VVie ie C em Cl e enttinu num nu Casa s And sa ndina Červven enáá tabu taab lka (Na Hu Hutíchh) Červ Če rvenná ta rv tabu bulk bu lkka ( odec (L eckká) ec Dům Dů m vína U závojee L’ Ang ngol olo ol Frranncouz uzsk uz skáá re sk rest staaura st race ce v Ob Obec e ním ec ím do domě Giar arddino ar Enot En oteca con Cuucina ot Heergget etov o a Cihe ov helnna he Hung ngar arria iann Gr Grot ottoo ot Jaapanese R Res estaaurant es
224 230 0 244 4 222 71 13 222 222 22 2 72 727 7 85 851 1 257 327 27 389 22 22 32 329 9 221 800 0 123 553 222 22 514 41 165 65 222 231 31 10 065 65 5 222 22 2 32 329 9 94 43 22 24 814 733 257 57 329 860 603 160 718 224 48 828 28 1 159 59 9 257 535 127 27 257 321 511 224 813 892 2 22 815 99 22 224 96 23 33 32 3 3 42 29 224 810 0 40 401 1 226 006 6 1 20 2 4 82 22 829 9 355 3 55 35 222 002 2 745 222 513 427 257 25 57 53 535 5 53 5 4 257 532 344
Nagoya 251 51 511 724 4 Kampaa Pa Parrk 257 532 685–6 Kavárn á na v Ob O ecníím domě 222 2 002 764 Kavá Ka várnaa & Vinotéka Breestto vá (Ště (Š těpá ěpáns páánsská ká)) 222 22 2 21 212 2 81 810 0 Kingg Solom mon Koogo g – Havel elsk el skáá sk Kogo Ko go – Slo lova vans va n ký dům m
224 2 818 752 224 22 4 21 14 54 543 3 221 451 259 59
La Per erle de Prague ue L mb La mborghini PastaaCaffé fé (VVězzeňňská) Laamb mbor orrgh ghini Paast staC aCaff féé aC (Vodičko (V kova ko va)) va Laary Faryy Lee Café fé Colo loni lo niial al Les Moules Louka Lu 257 721 123 388 Lvví Dvůr Lví
221 984 16 66 224 8 813 13 257 222 22 2 23 231 869 222 32 320 0 15 4 2 224 24 8 81 18 322 18 2 222 315 022 2 224 372 361 6
maama lluc ucyy uc Marc Ma r o Po P lo IVV Metamo morpphiss mo Metropoll Mussicc Club Mlýnec N stre No ress re s cafee gal ss gal alle leery lery Oran Or ange an ge Moo oonn Oste Os teria Da Clara te
222 32 22 327 7 207 224 819 81 19 668 22 21 77 771 1 06 0 8 222 314 4 071 71 221 0 082 82 2 208 08 222 317 004 4 222 22 2 325 119 271 7 726 548 776 77 6 41 4 8 559 9
Pálffyy Pallác Parn rnn s rnas Pass Pa ass ssep epar ep arto r to t utt Patrio iot– io ot– t–x Prav Pr avdaa av Red Fisshh sushi
257 7 530 5 522 22 224 2 216 244 4 222 513 340 0 224 235 15 58 222 326 203 222 220 716
EU Matters: Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, CEBRE Czech Business Representation, AMO, CESES, Europlatform, Ano pro Evropu Photographers: Antonio Dickey, City of Chicago, Tomáš Jacko, Zuzana Jirásková, Pavel Kaucký, Philippe Veldeman, Martin Janas, Dagmar Kneřová, Martin Malý, Jiří Zerzoň, Jaroslav Marek, Pavel Lebeda, Radovan Miča, Paul Pacey, Jaroslav Petrek, Roman Sejkot, Martin Siebert, Jadran Šetlík, Radovan Šubín, Vojtěch Vlk, Vladimír Weiss, Lillis Werder
224 2 24 093 093 111 111
Hotell Re Hote Resi side denc ncee A chym Al ymist 257 25 7 28 286 011 Hotel Residence Hote Irronn Gat atee
Publisher: Benke Aikell
Rest stau st aurace Hanil au R staaurace U Vladaařee Re Reest s au aurant bar Pod Po o kř kříd ídle íd lem le m Resttau aura rant ra nt M Miichall Rest Re stau st aura au rant ra nt Palác Kinskýých Pa
222 715 86 67 257 534 121 224 22 4 95 951 1 741– 1–2 1– 2 222 22 2 2 6 30 224 810 1 750 10 50
Restaurant Ryybí trhh 224 4 89 895 5 44 447 7 Restaurant u K Koolowraata 2 257 57 530 729 R st Re stau aura au rant ra nt U ma maltlttézskýcch ry rytířů Reyk ykja yk javí ja víík Rio’s Vyše š hr še h ad
257 7 533 3 666 22 22 22 221 1 218 224 2 24 922 22 1 156 56 56
Ristorantte Amic Am icii Mi M eii R st Ri s or oran ante an te D Da Em Eman anue an uel ue
224 2 24 8 24 81 16 6 16 688 88 224 22 4 312 934
Ristoranntee Incontro Ri Juunggma manoovo nám. 19
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info.indd 8
18.5.2009 10:14:36
OPTIMISM IS A LACK
OF INFORMATION If this statement is true, we should better not set on the way to information society. Thee Cz Th Czec echh op optitimi mist stss should be protected as a species endangered by extinction. The Czech meadows and grows are full of crying all day long. Talks over beer or coffee about what “they” have done to us, are an evergreen. It is just a matter of time when our wife is going to be infidel, we are fired out of work or a neighbour buys a new car. If a new era is dawning and it is not possible to deny it, we remember an anecdote about a man who jumped out of a window on the 50th floor. When he is passing the 20th floor, he says to himself: “It doesn’t look that bad yet!” If the Czechs look for “information” at all, they read and listen to tabloids of all types. Over 70 % of our fellow countrymen read and watch them. It is not surprising; tabloids very rarely present anythin th ingg mo more re pos posititiv ivee th than an cov cover ered ed vei veile ledd jealousy, envy, a keyhole vies of “collapsed relationships and existences”. Tabloids really do not support optimism, it is not a good value here sold well in our country. Even clear-headed people stick to the view of politics and politicians as of a true picture of the state of the nation. An active optimist plays the role of an idiot or Don Quixote. Others enjoy staying in the extras of small Czech people. I am not old enough to be able to judge whether the Czechs have been like this all the time. Our information comes just from literature and history where national
Photo: Archive
heroes are preferred to Brettschneiders, thieves and collaborationists. Do the optimists emerge in the moment when we are in a tight spot or do we emigrate into pessimistic resignation the more? Is the extinction of population connected with consumerist society or with the lack of reasons why to give birth to chilildr ch dren en iinn a “ggre reyy te tear arfu ful” l w wor orld ld? ? Among the few optimists there are betters. They believe in the winnings, they bet on the success of our representatives even in moments when facts speak the opposite way. And maybe even smokers, stubbornly lighting their cigarettes and hoping that the statistics does not concern them. Will we continue in spreading bad and alarming news, poisoning the water in good wells? To go on drinking from bottles that are half empty? To weep on wrong graves, to enjoy someone else’s misery? Or will we turn our heads into the sun and say to ourselves:
“What you do is what you get!” In the present times named often as a crisis it is necessary to say that there simply is no time for pessimism. I wish you a wonderful day and do not believe that optimism is the opium of mankind. By IIva vann Pi Piln lnýý I President of Tuesday Business Network Former Chairman of Czech Telecom
In partnership with Leaders Magazine
českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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15.5.2009 15:01:50
An interview with Sanjay Samaddar, CEO & Chairman of the Board, ArcelorM Mittal Ostrava
Even in Difficult Times Communication and Corporate Responsibility – these continue to be among the top priorities at ArcelorMittal Ostrava despite the current global economic downturn. Let’s look at how your job has changed dramatically: You came at a time of prosperity to calm the public, and now you’re a crisis manager who must cut costs. Which of the two positions is closer to you personally? It is not the case that before I had no task other than to soothe the residents of the neighboring
Norbert Auerbach, Film Producer Photo: Paul Pacey Photos: Drahoslav Ramík
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municipality and now I do anything but throw people out of work. There is no contradiction: There was pressure for efficiency a year ago, and I continue to deal with corporate responsibility now. Only the emphasis has shifted. Surely you don’t want to claim that you have the resources – the company money, your
personal time – to deal with social responsibility during the crisis? Surely you don’t want too suggest that a company of our size and significcance should abandon its basic values simply because a financial crisis is raging around it? Look, corporate responssibility is not a luxury that I can do without from tiime to time. Today, social responsibility is a basicc necessity for a company’s long-term existencee. If we didn’t behave responsibly, maybe we wouuld survive to see the end of the crisis in a slightlyy better state, but then it could happen that nobodyy here would want us. That sounds beautiful, but… Look, your doubts may reesult from a misunderstanding of the breadth off corporate responsibility. If we reduced this area to philanthropy, in addition in the simplesst form, i.e. providing funds to someone, then you’d be right. When facing a total collapse off demand, you go to a single blast furnace out of three, and you have to lay people off; at such a time, you limit the provision of direct support to the cases that have the most need and are very closely linked to the organization’s vision of corporate responsibility. But social responsibility also includes caring for employees… And you, as a part of the social responsibility, lay people off. Yes, we lay people off inn accordance with the principles of social responnsibility. Primarily, we lay them off when there reeally is no alternative, when there is no other wayy to protect long-term prosperity; therefore, jobs for other employees. That’s the first thing. And the second thing is that, when we have to lay people off, we try to make our former colleaguees’ transition to a new life as painless as possible. Essentially, those who have departed receive a seeverance package totaling 11 to 20 monthly salaries. Do you know any other company in the C zech Republic that is so generous, especially during this time of crisis? Well, I don’t. Those are very good conditions. They are. It’s no wonder we didn’t have to reach for more complicated noticces and that the vast majority of people applied their judgment about our social package voluntarr ily. By the way, the severancce packages were not the end of our assistance to our departing colleagues. We also establishhed a Support Centre providing full advisory services, including e.g. the help of a psychologist.
Leaders Magazine III/2009
13.5.2009 20:01:23
OK, so if you reduce social responsibility to care for employees, then… But that’s not the cassse. I only said that social responsibility includes a wide spectrum of areas. For example, we have noot spoken about care for the environment yet. Annd it’s an important area, particularly here in the O Ostrava District . And particularly for your company, which is the largest polluter in the region. Well, it’s true that, whhhen it comes to airborne dust, we really are the laargest polluter. Who else would be, if not the largeeest steel producer? We don’t deny our shhhare of responsibility for the state of the environm ment in our neighborhood. m But, how big is that parrrt, actually? Nobody has measured it precisely. AAnd it’s come to light that the official numbers thaaat came out of mathematical modeling do not reeally jive with reality. An interesting phenomenonn has occurred: Despite the fact that in January aand February we released into the atmosphere jussst over a third of the dust compared to the amountt last year, the measuring station in the neighboorhood showed an even greater dust fallout. Andd yet we are accused of being responsible for three-quarters of the dust. That can’t fit mathematiccally. We have encounteredd a great attempt to explain this mystery, withhout our share in atmospheric pollution being qquestioned. For example, we apparently don’t meaaasure the quantity of dust blown off of rubbish duuumps. Well, theoretically that looks fine, but, firstt of all, it isn’t true that we don’t perform the measuurements, and in January and February in particuular, the rubbish dumps were covered by snow. Another possible explanation is that this winttter was colder than last year’s… Which is true. Yes, certainly. I’m not saying it doesn’t have an influence. People simplyy used more heating and unfortunately, not only w with gas or coal. I’ve heard that a popular fuel is the so-called “Ostrava rocket”: a PET bottle filleed with a mixture of sawdust and waste oil! But one more point abbbout the past few months: We also found that in winnnter there were days when the dust limit in the neiggghborhood was exceeded, even though the wind waaas blowing in the opposite direction, toward us. Obvvviously, based on this, we won’t file court actionss against our neighbors accusing them of destrooying our work conditions. But it’s something worth cconsidering, isn’t it? Incidentally, there is m more worth thinking about in connection with the nneighboring borough. For example, the populationn of the borough is rising sharply. And it will continnnue to grow, as people are building new houses there, as well as whole groups of residential buuuildings. Maybe the environment there is not so tterrible after all... It looks as though you’ve gone on the offensive. Well, we simply want to actively communicate with the people aroundd us, including about un-
pleasant things. We don’t want to make light of the problems, but we have to defend ourselves against accusations of matters that aren’t our fault. You know, when I came to Ostrava, the company was facing demonstrations and court actions, and environmental activists were calling for a blockade of the plant. And there were voices saying that the Ostrava District doesn’t need companies like ours at all. These voices have lately fallen silent, but… It’s no surprise that they fell silent when the crisis came. By the way, from this point of view it came as though it was called, didn’t it? I have to say that the current crisis has caused – and will continue to cause – damage that we would have rather done without. All the more, because before the crisis started we showed that we were a socially responsible company whose operations in the region bring negatives in the form of an environmental footprint, but also a lot of positives. We employ – and pay well – thousands of people; we give work to hundreds of companies, where tens of thousands people work. We are one of the largest taxpayers in the country… That doesn’t interest people in your neighborhood much. Certainly. They are more interested in the fact that we have prepared massive investments in environmental protection and modernizing the factory. Investments in companies hit by the crisis are now being put on ice. Not in your business? Obviously, we are re-assessing investments and re-prioritizing them, in discussion with the stakeholders. But environmental protection and Health & Safety are such top priorities for us that we’re continuing to work on key investments according to the plan. And, regarding other investments, we just don’t know whether we’ll manage to return to record volumes of production. We don’t know when demand for steel will return to the levels of 2008 and, in addition, don’t forget that more and more steelworks are being built in Asia. The competition from Asia is challenging. It’s not only that labor is cheaper there. In some cases, they have lower costs for environmental measures; for example, they aren’t in danger of having to buy CO2 emissions permits. So, it could happen that in Ostrava you will simply shut up shop... Theoretically, it could happen, if we do not reach the bottom of the crisis soon, but that is equally applicable for the other producers as well. I strongly believe that this won’t happen, but the risk is great because of the crisis. If it weren’t for the crisis, this discussion about shutting up shop wouldn’t be on the table at all. But, I repeat, I hope things will end well. I hope that the conditions for our operations here will be such that we can defend our vision of sustaina-
Sanjay Samaddar (47) joined his current position as Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board at ArcelorMittal Ostrava in March 2008. Prior to that, he was Chief Marketing Officer of Eastern Europe responsible for sales of the steel plants in Romania, Poland and the Czech Republic. He joined ArcelorMittal in 2003 as Director Sales & Marketing at Galati, Romania, and, in mid-2005, he was transferred to Poland as a Member of the Board, with responsibility for Sales & Marketing. Before joining ArcelorMittal, he spent 18 years in the aluminium industry in India. Sanjay Samaddar graduated in Chemical Engineering from Panjab University in India. Sanjay Samaddar is married and has two children, son Sanjit (14) and daughter Sanjana (7). His wife, Patrolekha, is a software engineer from Delhi University, India, and a former Vice President of Information Technology at ICICI Bank, India’s largest private sector bank. bility. And I’m not thinking only of government assistance, for example, in the form of a contribution to environmental investments. There is also a risk that environmental requirements will be made even stricter. We could hardly invest billions if there were a risk that before we depreciate the investments – I mean the depreciation period, as set out by the law – the investments would be worthless, because the technology will no longer meet the new requirements. I’ll simplify it: We don’t have anything against limits being made stricter, but we have to have a clear outlook about future expectations. Let’s return to the very beginning of your work in Ostrava. I was interested by the great emphasis you placed on communication. In your opinion, is communication really that important? Undoubtedly. No matter what you do as a manager, you always need everybody around to believe you. Look at the environmental investments. You sign a contract for de-dusting, and people start breathing cleaner air two years later. And what discourages them from demonstrating or filing court actions? Only the belief that what you promise is true. So you have to personally and patiently explain everything. You have to go into the lion’s den and go to public assembly meetings. To invite the public to view the plant. ... And, obviously, that’s not enough. In the case of our investments, we also invited experts from the local university to look at our plans and say that we are really using the latest technology.
Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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We also adopted short-term measures; for example, we increased the intensity of cleaning the site of dust that the wind would otherwise blow into the surrounding area. We bought a cleaning truck for the city that does the same thing outside the plant. But communication is crucial here: A cleaning truck is fine, but will everybody link it to you? So we organized a competition where thousands of schoolchildren were looking for an appropriate name for our truck. … That’s also communication. I also found interesting that you created the position of Chief Green Officer. Is that communication as well? Look, the cleaning truck picks up thousands of tons of dust, and a Chief Green Officer has actual authority over the processes that affect the environment. He’s a member of the top management that reports directly to the director general. By the way, we’re the only part of the ArcelorMittal group and, as far as I know, the only large company in the Czech Republic that has established this position. And while we’re on the subject of management structure, we also established the position of Chief Safety Officer. This is also a position in the company’s top management that reports directly to the director general, with empowerment to intervene in any activity that is considered unsafe or unhealthy. But I’ll return to the communications: Obviously, creating the position of Chief Green Officer is also
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a communications opportunity. There’s nothing wrong with that at all! Provided that somebody believes there is something more behind it. We have to convince everybody of this. When what you say fits in and makes sense, and when you do precisely what you have promised, people believe you. Remember, communication creates expectations and imposes greater responsibility to deliver promises. From the start, I’ve been saying that the environment is, next to work safety, the biggest priority for the whole ArcelorMittal group. It is not in vain that our credo is “Safe and Sustainable Steel Production”. In the numbers I can show how we have improved work safety; I won’t bore you with the details, but our success is undoubtable. And I say that my mission is to achieve the same success with the environment. That makes sense, doesn’t it? Speaking about communication and its significance for the company, we may not disregard internal communication. Certainly, there are many ways to communicate with employees. Which one do you consider the most crucial? Frankly speaking, the key is to communicate face to face. But, should I share my secret formula? … I consider being in close touch with the foremen in their working environment is the most
important. I try to be around during the change of shifts. When I appear at midnight, they really appreciate it. It is much more credible than assembling them in a hall and reading out a prepared speech. In this way, it is much easier to convince them that my interest in their work is genuine, and I really care for them. And you need employees to trust you if you are facing a crisis that forces you to take unpopular steps. It’s just like how you need people in the neighboring district to believe that an improvement of the environment will come. As I see it, building trust is a very key task of mine. You are originally from India. What managerial techniques have you brought to the Czech Republic that you think might be useful here? I come from a multi-cultural and multi-lingual democracy of 1.1 billion people, where we are trai-ned to respect the feelings and value systems of different cultures. These are virtues that I try to use wherever I go. For me, every new person I meet is an opportunity to learn something new and to adopt a new practice that can become a way of life. I have already developed a strong admiration for several skills that I have been able to learn in the Czech Republic, a country of superlative engineering skills. By Jan Laštovička I
Leaders Magazine III/2009
13.5.2009 20:02:14
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN A HIGHLY VOLATILE ENVIRONMENT CHESS
REVIEW
What can chess teach us about financial markets? Chess is a very complex game. What is it that makes it so difficult? It is above all – though not exclusively – the multiplicity, the exponentially expanding number of potential moves and variations. In the dense thicket of growing possibilities, it is all too easy to overlook danger. And, indeed, the outcome of many game mess is decided by a tactical move that takes the losing ng pplayer unawares. A comparable feeling of helplessnesss ca c n easily overcome the investor who tries to review even ents t of the last few months in financial markets. In the existing difficult markket situation the client’s regular contact with the bank is gr g owing in importance as well as the banks ability to gi give v confidence to their clients. We have to follow the appearing economic changes and reassure the client what impact the new circumstances have and the action that has to be taken. Dresdner Bank Luxembourg S.A. can as a competent and well established international private bank meet those demands from the clients. The volatile markets do even bring a lot of opportunities for the investor and the financial institute that can manage the situation. Since its establishment 42 years ago as the first German Bank in Luxembourg, Dresdner Bank Luxembourg S.A. has played an active role in Dresdner Bank’s European and international expansion. In addition to the permanent establishment in Luxembourg Dresdner Bank Luxembourg S.A. offers its financial services to its international clients with dedicated groups/desks with focus on different countries or regions in and outside Europe. One of these countries is Czech Republic. To meet the requirements of our clients the employees, relationship managers, are coming from a wide range of cultural backgrounds with their own individual documented knowledge, experiences and language skills to optimise the service to the client. This diversity brings creative new ideas and solutions that add on optimal international private banking services when it comes to wealth management, asset management, legal structuring, financial structuring inclusive yacht financing etc. This results in committed and satisfied clients that are our best recommendations.
After the end of the US real estate boom at the end of 2006, the bad speculations in the subprime market emerged in 2007. Until October 2007, the write-downs for financial institutions reached several billions. The financial and economic crisis peaked in 2008, as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were nationalized by the U.S. government, part of Lehman Brothers became insolvent and Merril Lynch was sold to Bank of America. Since then, central banks have lowered their key interest rates to historical lows and several rescue packages were made available by the major governments.
Source: Markit, GS calculation
OUTLOOK The business outlook stands or falls with the effects of the economic programs and monetary policy intervent ntio ions n , which are virtually unprecedented and take unusual fo form rms. Although various bailout measures (particularly QE)) ma may present longer term inflation risks, deflation looks set et ttoo be the issue in 2009 (and possibly 2010). Headline rates es aare expected to turn negative this year in many countries. Th Thee large contraction in GDP will also mean that significantt “nneg e ative output gaps” are likely to open which, in turn, will lim imitit upward pressure on inflation for some time. We continue to believe that near-term the deflationary fears and talk of zero official interest rates are likely to outweigh worries about additional supply in the major government bond markets. In addition, government bonds themselves are used as a policy tool for central banks particularly in the US and UK. Outright “quantitative easing” (QE) involves central banks creating money to buy government bonds in an effort to 1) provide banks with liquid cash and 2) keep long term interest rates down. On top of the speculation of such a move in the US, the Bank of England gave a strong indication that they are also contemplating quantitative easing in their recent inflation report. Against this background, downward pressure on longer term government bonds is likely to persist. Even if the current rally continues, volatility is likely to remain high. There is still some hope of the financial crisis easing slowly and ending in a modest economic recovery. However, there are as yet no clear indicators for this. We can expect the volatile sideways movement to continue for the next few months. However, further patience is required here. Flexible investors who are correspondingly prepared to take more risks should use this situation which is offering great trading opportunities. We remain neutral in our short to medium term positioning and evaluation of the commodities market; we also retain our expectation of a sustained consolidation and bottom formation phase. The situation with regard to precious metals seems to be quite different. We are confident particularly with regard to gold. For our fixed income strategy we prefer the short end of the yield curve, the risk of a future inflation is
Director, Dresdner Bank Luxembourg S.A.
nnot favouring long duration investments. For investment ntss in i the high yield segment we would suggest to wait untitill th t e picture is clearer, but investment grade corporate bo bond nds are currently offering interesting investment opportuni nitities e . After the harsh setback in the f irst months 2009 we are still miles away from a mood of eeuphoria, but the outlook for the equity market is briigh ghte tening. Even though European companies are still reportiting ng bad figures our medium term outlook has improved markedly. For our long term investment view, there are risks like the extreme indebtedness, a potential inflation and the still weak situation of the bank’s balance sheets. Nevertheless Euroland’s PMI´s are emerging from the through and the German ZEW indicator is showing a significant improvement. Governments around the globe are still willing to act decisively if necessary. Therefore mainly cyclical sectors should be overweight, such as Technology, Automobiles, Financial Services, Media and Construction/Materials. Defensives, such as Personal Household, Retail, Pharma (exception Sanofi) and Home Goods should be underweight. By Jörgen Hoolmé I Director, Dresdner Bank Luxembourg S.A, International and Thomas Langet
českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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15.5.2009 14:59:05
interview An interview with Pavel Svoboda, former Minister of the Governnment of the Czecch Republic and Chairman of the Governmennt Legislative Council
THE DEUM
Dooc. JUDr. Pavel Svvoboda, D.E.A, was minnister and chaireed thhe Government Leegislative Council of Mirrek Topolánek goovernment since Januar y 2009. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of the Charles University and specializedd inn intellectual propper ty. In the 1980´s he worked as a lawyer of the Society for the Protection of Rights of Musicc Authors and Publishers and for the Supraphon Music Publishingg House. In 1992 he passed post-graduaal sttudies at Universsité Scieences Sociales in Toulouse and continued his studies of European and internationaal laaw at the Hague Academy of International Law and at the Academ my of European Law in Florence. After his retturn he lectured at the Department of European Law at the Faculty of Law of the Charles University and also abrroad. In 2004–20 006 he held a post of the Deputy Minister of Foreignn Affairs and in 2007 was appointed the Am mbassador of the Czecch Republic to the Council of Europe. He is meember of the Christian and Democratic Uniion – Czechoslovvak People’s Party (KDU-ČSL). He loves music; he is active in the committee of the Society forr Spiritual Music and as a musician leading the group “Lost Band”.. He is a passionate collector of Christm mass carols and auuthor of two major publications; for the second colllection containing carols from various couuntrries all over the world he translated and reversed most of the lyrics. He is fluent in English, French, German, Russsian, Polish and Latin.. Photo: Paul Pacey
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Leaders Magazine III/2009
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What are your career plans when you leave the ministerial post? According to thee lasst innformation the post of a minister withouut por o tf tfol olioo should be abolishedd. During the transitiionn pe p ririod od up to the early elections ns I could continue as th t e Ch Chaairman of the Government nt Legislative Counccil; thi h s po possition is not directly deependent on a minnissteeriaal function. Otherwise I can an return to the acaddem e ic sph p ere, diplomacy or advoocacy; these are my bac a kk-up up options. I accepted the he ministerial post andd leftt di dipplomacy mainly because se I felt it was necess sar a y to commit myself more in on behalf of the KDU U-ČS Č L. Iff th t ere is a real opportunitt y to contribute with m my wo work rk or face, I’d gladly do it. At the upcoming KDU U-ČČSL S con onggress I will run for a morre prominent post withi h n thhe pa party leadership; I picked ed up a nomination foor a vice ce-chairman and also for o a membership in thhe St Stat atee Committee. According ng to the actual situaatioon att the he congress I will use them m in order to contribbute t to th thee benefit of the party. Your priority when assuming the office was the adoption of the new Civil Code. What complications are you expecting in this sense in relation to the government change? The Governmennt Leg e is islaative Council finished thhe discussion on thee Ci C vi v l Co Code d draft during its threeeday meeting in K roměěřířížž an and its work thus ended. d Everything else iss politicc s – in what form and wheen the draft will be prop o os osed ed inn the Parliament and by which governmennt, thhiss all depends on the future re development. In anyy ca c se se, I would like to stress thaat the very opportunnity t to ta take ke part in the process of creating the new Civvil Cod odee is a once-in-a-life expeerience for a lawyerr. What about other priorities the government had in the legislative sphere like the law on the regulation of lobbying? The law on lobbby b inng reegulation was mentioned ed in the Programme Dec eclaara rattion of the Government nt but I doubt it wouuldd be ca carr rried out. There is a draftt law on public convven e ieenc ncee which would significanttlyy improve the transspar a en e cy ooff the NGO sector. It was as a priority of ministterr Koccáb but I am afraid there will be a problem, tooo. How owev ever e , the legislative counci cil itself has no prioriities e of ititss own. It is a body examinning legal purity and nd aassses essi sing the necessity of anny legislation changee proopo pose sedd by a ministry or depuuties. It is an apolitica c l bo body d delivering a demandinng legal job. You stated the Czech practice of the EU law transposition is in fact successful but the Czech Republic scores almost the worst out of the new member states. So far, several cases have been brought before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and we are likely to face another case because of the antidiscrimination law in the near future. Is our transposition practice truly in a good shape? First, the Czechh Repub ubllicc scores average. We are re not a bad but neittheer a ve very ry good pupil. I remembeer well the evaluationn si s ncee I re reccently presented a reportt on the EU legislationn im i plem ementation in 2008 in thhe Senate. It showedd thhat a we raanked somewhere in thhe middle and when coomp m ar a ed with the previous years rs we even improved. Yoou ar aree right that some casees against us were star a te t d an andd some even concludeed in front of the ECJ. Inn th t iss m mooment, the burning issue ue is truly the fact thaat our u ant ntid idiscrimination law, which ch involves about teen diffeere rent nt EU directives, has noot been adopted yet.. Itt iss a po pollittical problem, there is no political will to soolvve it aat the moment and itt is hard to predicc t the fut utur u e development. Other er--
wise, an ECJ sentence for non-compliance with an EU norm is quite normal and occurs rather often. TThe Czech Republic belongs to the countries which have not been sentenced to a fine yet, unlike France or Spain. In your opinion, how does the change of the government and current political situation influence the Czech EU Council Presidency? How do you regard the dichotomy – it is a catastrophe versus nothing really happens? In my opinion, we successfully reached the status of a banana republic on the international scene by this. As an EU member state we became a noncredible and unreliable partner nobody would prenegotiate or make any strategic decisions with. The smooth implementation of the presidency depends on the ability to mediate deals and to prove the given word holds. Our partners in the EU are very well aware they are negotiating with representatives of a government with a shrinking mandate now. Generally said, someone will assume the presidency chair but I say it is important who it is. The only positive element of my sceptical view on our current reputation abroad is the fact that it was not the KDU-ČSL who put the Czech Republic into this position. Let’s turn to your academic path. Originally, you specialized in intellectual property and later on turned to European law. Why? If I tell the truth, you would laugh at me. I left my position in Supraphon in 1991 and I got an offer to leave for a one-year scholarship to France. When I came to Toulouse I wanted to follow postgradual studies in intellectual property law. I was told on the spot that it was not possible so I asked whether I could study European law. I admit I did not have an idea what it included at that time. It was rather an accident which significantly influenced the rest of my following professional career. Later on, you also lectured in France, can you compare the experience from the Czech and French academic ground? I only lectured in France, I was not in charge of any seminars but the way of teaching and the whole education is much more formalized there. Anything you do on the level of academic work must keep certain form – if a formal part of a scientific statement is not fulfilled or complied with, it is bad. It is the same with oral exams; your performance must have certain structure and if not, you have a problem. I remember one of my exams in front of a commission when after my performance the first sentence I heard from the chair of the commission was: “Mr. Svoboda, as far as the form is concerned, you are zero.” But you passed the exam? Yes, I did. After all, they understood that as a foreigner, I am not perfectly familiar with it. They did not fail me but I was considered sort of underdeveloped. What is your personal relation to France? It is naturally a close relation. Considering only my law studies, the fact I could study law in French, is qualitatively different from the Czech approach but also from the Anglo-Saxon way or German law, although I cannot really asses the German system. French legalist thinking and the ability to express abstract nuances are on far higher level then for example English allows for. So it is a great pity that the EU law is mostly translated from English, not from French. The important key words can have ten different meanings in English; French can well distinguish these details. Most of the EU legislation is currently drafted
in English and then translated from English to French… Exxactly, luckily at least the ECJ keeps the practice of iss suing its decisions in French primarily. If you don’’t speak French, you cannot succeed there. The delibberation of the senate of judges is closed, not evenn the chancellor has the access there, not to menntion the interpreters. Have you ever considered working in an EU institution? I tried. I went through the domestic competition for a job at ECJ, at the Court of First Instance. I did not succceed but I think I will try again. The judges enjoy a sixx-year mandate so it doesn’t go so fast. You are a member of the Society for Spiritual Music. What is the aim of this organisation? It is an organisation which gathers church musicianns who study and perform liturgical music but alsoo concert spiritual music. It is a treasure which has been gradually discovered here because during the previous regime it was not possible. It was not allow wed to perform this music on a concert and also the people interested in it could not group. So the sam me way as representatives of other professions or interest groups feel the need to meet and enrich eachh other, church musicians do. Are you an active musician? Yees, I also concluded studies of choir conducting. I maanaged that under socialism beside my regular job because we all used to have more time somehow. I conducted a choir for quite a long time and I do it occcasionally even now. Besides that I am playing lightter Muse with a band called “Lost Band”. Together withh four other friends we founded it as a guitar group in 19981 and today we perform together with a small childdren’s chorus. We play during church services or perfform independent concerts. We have already issued 5 CDs, mostly with our own work. Our motto is “nnatural devoutness or devout naturalness” – both in lyyrics and in music. I am also a fanatical collector of Christmas carols; not long ago I published a collectiion of carols from all over the world. I was collecting different compilations already during the previous regim me, out of which I selected the pieces for my publication. I think there is no other book like that in teerms of its extent; it covers 25 years of work. You managed to translate and re-verse the lyrics from Latin, for example, it must have been very difficult… I am a lyricist-amateur so it was truly demanding. Befoore publishing this book I prepared another collectiion of 248 Czech and Moravian carols entitled “Sonngs of the Wartime”. It is the most extensive collectiion of carols ever published here. I call it my activityy for the second hemisphere. But here your hobby mingled well with the intellectual property law… Definitely; in fact I specialized in intellectual propertt y because it combines music and law. But it is true that there was not much of spiritual music in the Supraphon Music Publishing House under socialism. At thhe beginning of the 1990´s when the first spiritual compositions started to be issued, some humorouss situations came up in the publishing house. For exam mple, it was decided to issue Antonín Dvořák’s Te Deum. Naturally, the editor was not familiar with it, soo he put a note into the editorial plan – issuing “Thee Deum”. By Věra Řiháčková I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
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An interview with Michael Kocáb, Minister of the Government of the Czech Repubblic for Human Rights and National Minorities
EXTREMISM? THERE IS NO FAST SOLUTION
Michael Kocáb is a well-known musician and politician. He graduated from the connservatory in Prague in composition and organ. Hee founded Pražský výběr rock band in 1997. He was one of the founding fathers of the Civic Forum and waas co-opted as the member of the Federal Assem mbly of the Czechoslovak Republic in December 1989, re-elected in the 1990 elections. In the Assembly, he was very active especially within the commissiion for the withdrawal of Soviet troops. He left the Parliament in 1991 and got involved into the initiatives supporting a referendum on the splitting of Czechooslovakia. In 1993–2003 worked as an advisor of President Václav Havel. In 2003 he experienced a successsful comeback with his rock band Pražský výběr annd since 2006 has been performing with a rebuilt band Pražský výběr II. He ran for the Senate unsuccesssfully on the ticket of the Green Party in autumn 2008 elections. He was nominated for a post of minister for human rights and minorities in the government of Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek by the Green party in January 2009. On the basis of the recent developments the government proposed a fast-track adoption of a strategy of fight against extremism. What was the role of your office in its preparations? To adopt a strategy was a new, imminent impulse of the Prime Ministers in reaction to the events in Opava and other places, as a well as to the general rise of extremism here. Among the symptoms of this phenomenon one can
include also a publication of a boook by former cu-clux-clan member David Duke who also cam me to the Czech Republic to lecture in order to become a sppiritual guru of our neoNazis. As far as the strategy is concerned, Minister of Interior promised to table the doocument during the last working session of the governmennt. It has been prepared for some time already by an inter-ministerial group we are also members of. Particularly ourr own initiative concerns
the adjustments of the law reggulating the freedom of meeting and assembly. When I talkked to the mayors of different cities questing for reasons why it is so difficult to ban the meetings and events organised by the extremists if these display unmistakably racist and Nazis features, one issue I got confirmed in these debaates was the fact that the extremists submit their requests for authorizations on late Friday afternoons. The public authority then does not have
Photo: Vladimír Weiss
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enough time to issue a ban because as the current law states, it has only three days – not three working days, to compile and table documentss, which would serve to initiate a court ruling. So we propoosed a very simple change – to add a word “working” into the law. We can keep discussing whether the time-limit shhould be three, five or seven working days. In my opinion, tthree working days are ideal because the town-halls shouuld have pre-prepared processes in place and be able tto add the supporting materials in three working days sinnce we cannot, on the other hand, limit substantially the ffreedom of meeting and assembly – it is one of the basic democratic freedoms and democracy must protect rightss of every citizen. Further on, my office is going to contributee with a material “Social Trap II”, which deals with the situaation in Chomutov. It is our second essential analytical doossier tabled in a short time, which was drafted in very open and rigorous way. The material “Social Trap I”, which dealt with the developments in Litvínov, was already discusssed by the government. We have prepared various initiativves and proposals within our agenda and now it is only a m matter of what in particular would be taken out of the draw wer and offered as a basis for further decision-making. But I have to point out there is no fast solution to this problem. W We are acting a bit under the media pressure because it iss clear that no country has found a remedy to the rise of extremism and terrorism, yet. No state is able to prevent fully the acts we witnessed in Vítkov, for example; it is not poossible to place a policeman in front of every house, but it is necessary to do maximum right now. You mentioned a need for long-term solutions but what is the future of your office and of the Agency for social inclusion in Roma localities if your ministerial post is abolished in the next government? Martin Bursík, the chairmann of the Green Party, informed me the whole office will be keppt as it stands but under the authority of a Government Coommissioner. I have to state that abolishing post of a minister for human rights is an unfortunate step taken; it is kkind of reckless move given how worrying agenda we talk about – rise of extremism, problems with social exclusion, terrorism, child abuse, drugs, gender issues, sexual m minorities and other various forms of discrimination. It is true all these issues belong to portfolios of other ministries, too, but minister for human rights was supposed to coorddinate and roof the agenda, and first and foremost to deaal with prevention – Ministry of Interior, for example, only tackles the consequences of these phenomena. And what about the future of the Agency for social inclusion in Roma localities? We managed to put the agency back on the right track in the last two or three months. TToday it starts working along the lines of its original design aand it will enjoy an access to the resources from the EU fundds. It is a question of roughly three months when the agencyy starts allocating and granting these resources. The problem with project financing when the whole government had to vote on every grant decided on by the agency was then solved? Yes, it should not be a problem. According to the preliminary talks I am not personally involved in, all my office portfolio should fall within a competence of prime minister in the new government. The Commisssioner will have an access to the government but only in casse his or her agenda is being explicitly dealt with. His or her position will not be that powerful but still, there will be enough room for many options. However, the drawing of funds sshould not be affected. One of your priorities was the memorial in Lety and overall, the issue of Roma holocaust. Will you manage to
move the agenda forward before the government’s mandate expires? Yes, I will. The journalissts and others laughed at me and that’s why I foreswore I had to successfully conclude this agenda. During the last government session a dossier tackling the issue should be passed. I was very surprised PM Topolánek decided too accommodate it, with regard to the short period of time thhe issue must be finalized. He got also actively involved into gathering the funding for financing the proposed soolution. Also ministers Kalousek (finance) was very helpfful, as well as minister Jehlička (culture), Gandalovič (agriculture) and minister Liška (education) who played a key role and who is also co-submitter of the proposal. I opted foor a maximum possible – a complete adaptation of Hoddonín as an international educational centre about Roma holocaust, including the accommodation capacitiies for the researchers; and for adaptation of Lety, whichh will fall under the Lidice memorial. However, the buy-outt of a pig farm in Lety is not part of the dossier. Its owners puurchased it for app. CZK 8 million and to buy it out for CZK 500 or 600 million now would not be acceptable, even if wee had the money. I decided that if the proposal is approved by the government, I would bring the tape recorder with mee to the government meeting and I would play and sing “Thhose from Prague, they have an easy time” – I think the goovernment meeting has not seen thing like this so far. A decision to support my proposal would send an enormouss signal that our society is not indifferent to this issue. To adopt my proposal was not a decision the out-going goveernment was bound to do before its term in office expires and I think it is a positive point for whole government coalitioon. What about your other priority – the antidiscrimination law, which, if not passed, would cost the Czech Republic fines from the European Court of Justice. Is something going to happen there as well? It looks promising. We decided together with the Prime Minister and the Ministerr of Justice to submit the law for re-voting of the presidenttial veto during the April session of the Chamber of Deputties. I cannot imagine the social democrats (ČSSD) would vote against it because it would only show that the partyy is not concerned by the substance but only for who givves what – only for political fight. We all know we badly neeed to pass this law; it is in the programme agenda of ČSSSD, it was one of the conditions for our EU accession annd now, we are facing six legal proceedings in front of thhe European Court of Justice because we do not comply. To re-vote the presidential veto, 101 votes are needed. Onnce we have them, the law comes into effect. And the law regulating the non-governmental sector? We managed to concluude the first phase of inter-ministerial negotiations. The written comment proceeding was closed and now the comm ments are being processed; there were truly numerous and it all must be done in three months. The discussion showed it would not be simple. It is to large extent a grouundbreaking law. I inherited this agenda from my predeccessor Džamila Stehlíková. My effort to successfully connclude the agenda she initiated is also a manifestation off my respect to the work she had done because she did a loot of good things. How has been the EU presidency agenda unfolding, for example the follow-up of the autumn Brussels Roma summit and the emergence of Roma strategy? Some NGO sector representatives criticized the efforts to shift part of this agenda to the EU level because the national politicians could thus shuffle-off the responsibility better…
I believe nobody can be serious about such an argument. The European level allows us to solve the issue within a wider perspective – one of the original initiatives of the Czech presidency is for example a launch of an integrated platform for Roma integration. Its main goal is to exchange experience with other EU member states so that we can enrich ourselves because sometimes I have a feeling we are caught in a vicious circle here. The platform should serve for joint data collection and exchange of best and bad practices. It is very important and in no way it disturbs the way how we work internally. Within the Czech EU presidency we also dealt intensively with the gender issues. I gave two speeches in the UN Commission for equal opportunities in New York and I represented a stance of the whole EU there, and I also participated in negotiations in Brussels and Strasbourg. Gender agenda is kind of Cinderella here but much accentuated abroad. Our press was not interested in this issue at all and rather pinned me down to the Roma issue. Another huge initiative I was involved in recently in Istanbul is the so called Alliance of Civilizations; it is a monumental project nobody knows about here. It was launched by Spain and Turkey two years ago. Its goal is to get Christian and Islamic world closer and to look for alternatives for mutual understanding as a prevention of the conflicts. If the project is well regarded by the whole EU and the USA, it could develop into a soft form of prevention of world terrorism. But our journalists have not intercepted this information either. Concerning European Roma Strategy, can you envisage any further steps beyond the debate and experience sharing within the platform – for example to some policy? The strategy is in the process of development. If the whole initiative succeeds, it would function and deliver results since there are countries that have good experience with inclusion. The vision is that the platform will operate as a standard Open Method of Coordination, i.e. as an advisory body to the European Commission, which is a great thing. A cooperation on local, regional and European level would thus by operational and every two years, a monitoring and evaluation of common indicators would take place. The real impact of this initiative can be recognized only in couple of years. At the moment, I focus more on our domestic situation so I proposed three more initiative – first, a stable “Conference on prevention of rise of extremism and terrorism in the Czech Republic”. Its members would be the intellectuals, the best brains from different areas – theologists, psychologists, sociologists, historians, lawyers and perhaps couple of politicians. The conference would fall under the Government Commissioner, sitting ad hoc and generating philosophical or statesman-like approach to these issues. It is desirable the politicians base their decision-making on concepts, which would enjoy public respect; the Conference should work similarly to what NERV does in the economic area. My second proposal is a “Deal of political parties on joint advancing against extremism”. I consider very important this issue not to fall victim to the pre-election fight and that the political parties find a common position on this issue. The third pillar of my concept is a “Declaration of good will”. The government and the local governments should show good will in their approach to Roma community. An ethos should be added to the whole approach; adaptation of the reverent places in Lety and Hodonín is a good example of it. To wrap it up: conference, deal and declaration. I will not manage more. By Věra Řiháčková I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
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An interview with H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia to the Czech Republic
Czech-Slovak Relations
are Friendly and Trouble-free Peter Brňo graduated from the University of Economics in Prague in 1979. He began his career in trade department inn the Chirana Export company in Piešťany. In 1981 he started to work at the Trade Policy Department for Africa at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Prague. Between the years 1984–1990 he worked at the Czechoslovak embassy in Lusaka in Zambia. Then he was head of Internaational Organizations Department at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Trade in Prague for a year. In 1994 he became the permanent representative of the Slovak Republic to the World Trade Organization and deputy permanent representative of the Slovak Republic to the UN in Geneva. In the years 1998 and 2002 he served as a state secretary at the Slovak Ministry of Economy and then four years as the permanent representative off the Slovak Republic to WTO. Since June 2008 he has been Ambassador of Slovakia to the Czech Republic. Peter Brňo speaks English, French and Russian. The Czech Republic and Slovakia celebrate 20 years since the Velvet Revolution this November. How did you live out that time? I lived out that time a bit unusually in view of the domestic situation. In 1989 I served as a representative at the trade department of the Czechoslovak embassy in Zambia. I followed the situation
very carefully, but I did not experience those events directly. Why did you decide to work in Africa? Especially sub-Saharan Africa always represented the glamour of unknown. Besides other things, a longterm work at this continent was also my childhood dream coming true. The decision to work at the Africa
department at the Ministryy of Foreign Trade gave me a certain chance. In thhe end I spent over six years in Africa with my fam mily. I also used my stay there for travelling around other African countries. Our embassy also covered Botswana to which I regularly travelled on business. I visited Zimbabwe, too. It was in the days when this country was flourishing.
H.E. Peter Brňo Ambassador of Slovakia to the Czech Republic Photo: Vladimír Weiss
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I was also in Malawi, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and in Kenya. These trips offered me unreepeatable experiences. Did the reality of life there correspond to your dreams? Information I had from bbooks and various travelogue series gave me only a marginal picture of what I could see there. There is a big poverty in Africa, of course, but on the other hhand, there is also a big potential. We can admire beautiful landscape, the continent is immensely ricch in beasts and birds. It is an amazing piece of woorld that will without any doubt stay always interessting for the Europeans. I was also very pleasantly ssurprised by people there. Despite their poverty they aare very friendly and open. They have some specific quaalities that are a bit untraditional for the Europeans. They are able to live their lives in spite of many probleems more intensively. The Europeans are used to savee something for the future all the time. Their life philoosophy is rather different. Sometimes it is said that they live for one day. Would like to come back? It is said that Africa is likee a drug. After my personal experience, I agree with thaat. Who once entered the African continent, they try tto come back. The truth is that I haven’t given up thiss idea. I have a very good friend of mine in Zambia whho is the Honorary Consul for the Slovak Republic there. For many years we have been talking about the posssibility of meeting again in Africa. We already met in Brratislava, but not in Africa. I believe I will return to Africca one day. What brought you to the Czech Republic? During my studies at thee University of Economics I found a lot of friends in Prague. For that reason I consider Prague almost m my home. When I was offered this position, I did not hesitate. The Czech Republic is our strategic partner, the closest one historically, economically, cculturally, and by language, with all the connections resulting from that. Many people may think that it is a trouble-free and thus an easy mission. However, it iss not true. The standard of mutual relations is at high level and every minimum divergence would be soon pperceived very sensitively. We meet our Czech counterrparts at various levels almost every day, so we work aat full stretch in communication with Czech political reepresentatives, business, self-government, cultural, and artistic community. All of this is a great challennge and at the same time a strong motivation. Are the Czech-Slovak relations at a very good level today then? Yes, they are. The relationns between the two countries are really good and w without problems. We manage to agree on a wide sspectrum of activities at various levels. At the poliitical level we share the same positions except for some minimal differences; in economy we are often partners, we implement many investment and common projects in third countries, we cooperate in foreign military missions, culture, education, etc. This is not only my opinioon, but also the opinion of the top political represent atives of both countries. Everyday life clearly shows tthat it is really true. And it is not only a formal cliché.. It is a fact. From recent events I can name for exampple the gas crisis when the Czech Republic showed byy its approach where our friends are. And there are m many examples like this on both sides. At the time of the break-up of Czechoslovakia you worked at the Federal Ministry of Fo-
reign Trade. How did you perceive this period of time? Everybody was personally involved in the events, in addition to the views of the whole society. The process of democratization in Central Europe brought emancipation ambitions, too. In those days people were not mentally ready for this possibility, mostly. Perhaps it can be said that the dissolution of Czechoslovakia was accepted as an agreement between politicians with different views of the future. I think that the development in both countries in spite of many problems connected with the transformation of economy and virtually of all areas of the society confirmed the rightfulness of this decision. The following development of our mutual relations in a new quality and our integration ambitions, common goals in the European Union and NATO, had positive impacts on the whole. Today both countries are relatively successful, integrated in the structures they aspired to, and have a space to promote together their strategic goals that are in most areas very close if not identical. Slovakia unlike the Czech Republic adopted the Euro. The question of adopting or non-adopting the Euro has been very much discussed in the context with the financial crisis. What is your opinion on this issue as an economist? First of all it is necessary to take this as a strategic commitment adopted by all new EU member states while accessing to the EU. However, it is not only the question of setting the macro-economy in a way to fulfil the Maastricht criteria. There is also a political aspect – to decide. But not to decide whether yes or not. It is rather a question of when. Slovakia decided for an earlier date. When the decision on adopting the Euro was taken, no prognosticator envisaged that the crisis of such an extent as it is today would come. The Euro had a more positive impact on us than a negative one. Of course everything also brings negatives. During the crisis it was proven that currencies of our neighbour countries weakened towards the Euro and goods, services, work cost became generally more expensive in Slovakia. In particular it affected tourism, retail, but also other economy sectors. On the other hand, today it is very difficult to separate what was caused by the Euro only and what by the financial crisis as such. Own monetary policy is an important macroeconomic tool to regulate certain processes. We lost this tool, but on the other hand we have the stability of the currency in huge economic area. And this is of great importance too. Slovak economy is small to manage to influence the exchange rate by its own means. Speculative attacks on the Slovak crown that occurred in the past were compensated by the National Bank interventions and sometimes lasted for several hours, sometimes for several days. We could see that the strength of our defence is so limited that we could not significantly influence the exchange rate by our tools in the long term. It is possible to assess positively the transactional costs cutting and monetary stability for investors. On the contrary, the decrease in competitiveness is viewed in negative terms, however, only from a short term perspective. Also the strict Maastricht criteria cause problems at the time of the negative growth of GDP today. However, from the long term view, the maintenance of fiscal discipline is the precondition for reviving economy on the health basis.
How do you view the negotiations on appropriate ways of solution of the financial crisis? I think a solid analysis of causes of the crisis was carried out and solutions were proposed at the G20 meeting. The need for a better regulation and more effective monitoring of the banking sector within the global framework emerged. The financial crisis showed a strong interconnection and interdependency of financial markets. For that reason it is essential to coordinate measures and create new quality of relevant legislature and controlling mechanisms at a global level. As for the economic crisis I agree with the opinion that protectionism is not a solution. Once we are in a certain environment and a return back would also influence many of our international commitments. It is not discussed much publicly, but within the WTO we committed ourselves to abide to certain rules. Considerations on the introduction of protectionist measures would breach some agreements we have signed. In any case, some politicians’ statements initiated a useful debate: if the EU goes this individual way – individual protectionism – it is a really bad way. I am very glad that there was the agreement at the G20 summit that protectionism was not the answer. Also the EU agrees with that. We have a global world of trade and investment. It is thus very important to achieve such an agreement at a global level as well. How do you perceive the Czech EU Presidency? At least after the first quarter it seems to me quite successful. The Czech Presidency did a very good job in solving the crisis that occurred during the first days of the Presidency, in particular the gas crisis. The Czech Republic approached it very actively, and managed to communicate with top representatives. It is a new member state and thus is also watched from different perspectives. And results that the Czech EU Presidency achieves would be the criterion for other new EU member states. The Czech Republic managed to open topics that are very current, important and which address politicians globally. The activities in Prague are at a very high level, the organization is perfect, perhaps sometimes too generous. It is a typical Slavic approach that is also visible in hospitality. I am convinced that the interim government does its best to finish the Presidency smoothly, although it is necessary to admit that the advocacy of solutions in some issues will be difficult. Slovakia should preside the EU in 2016. Do you follow the Czech Presidency closely? Our Presidency is far away, so we have enough time for detailed preparations. On the other hand, we had an ambition to use Prague as an inspiring environment from which we can take a lot. The intensity of visits and consultations with ministries is very high. During the Presidency we try to soak up the experience, and we undoubtedly take part in this topic after the end of the Czech Presidency as well, when Sweden picks up the baton. We have our people at some ministries, in particular at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is also the contribution of the Czech Presidency that we were allowed to look inside the everyday organization and technical preparations of all events taking place either in Brussels or in Prague. By Zuzana Kasáková I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
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networking/charity
A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible
From left: Ing. Jan Kalaš, Zone Chairman, District 122, Lions Club Praha Hartig, 4-star Army General Ing. Karel Pezl (ret.), MUDr. Jaroslav Barták, General Secretary, Lions Club Prague Eagle and President of Poliklinika Modřany
Lions Club Prague Eagle
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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
From left: Jiří Bílý, Advisor to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ing. Zbyněk Štáf, Food Consulting Agency, President of Lions Club Prague Eagle, Gen. Andor Šándor (ret.), Michael Vít, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief Public Health Officer, Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic
14.5.2009 10:35:05
From left: Jan Bříza, Vice Director, VFN Praha, Miroslav Votruba, Sales Director, Eurest, spol. s.r.o., Ing. Luboš Hlinovský, Director of Financial Division, Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic
Mgr. Anna Žaludová, Freelance Translator and becoming a new member of the Club and Ing. Stanislav Slavík, Marketing Senior Adviser
From left: Gen. Andor Šándor (ret.) and JUDr. Jiří Teryngel, Advocate, Teryngel & Partners
From left: JUDr. František Zelenický, Jiří Bílý, Advisor to the Ministry of Interior Affairs, Dr. Karla Říhová, Director of Strategy and Management of Public Health, Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic
From left: Mgr. Hassan Ezzeddine, District 122, Lions Club Praha Hartig, Ing. Jan Kalaš, Zone Chairman, District 122, Lions Club Praha Hartig, and Mrs. Lenka Bartáková
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From left: Ing. Tomáš Cikán, General Director, ESO Travel a.s. and Ing. Jan Fišer, Director, Manta Medica
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
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MARCH 18 – TOP HOTEL
From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President of Comenius and Lieutenant General Ing. Vlastimil Picek, Chief of the General Staff of ACR
A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible
Round Table of Comenius WITH THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENSE FRANTIŠEK PADĚLEK AND THE CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF OF ACR LIEUTENANT GENERAL VLASTIMIL PICEK
Besides the Lieutenant Gen. Picek and Deputy Minister Padělek, former Commander of Air Force of the Czech Republic, the Round Table was attended by current as well as former high ranking army officers including the former Chiefs of Staff of ACR General Jiří Šedivý and the Colonel Gen. Miroslav Vacek. Other participants represented the state administration as well as companies well acquainted with the issues in the resort of the Ministry of Defense such as the Air Navigation Services, Civil Aviation Authority or ZVI. Given the presence of so many personalities with rich experience in the field of military the debate soon turned to the army development in the post-communist period. One of the main themes was the use of the Gripen battle planes and advantages or disadvantages of the continuation of their lease. The contribution made by the Slovak Ambassador H.E. Peter Brňo, who gave a summary of the Slovak Army’s experience with the MIG 29 battle planes, was especially interesting on this occasion. Especially alive was the discussion about the advantages of the professional army and the abandoning of the mandatory military service. The latter was criticized by the Army General in retirement Miroslav Vacek who also used the opportunity to praise the organization of Bundeswehr.
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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
One of the Congress Halls Top Hotel Praha
14.5.2009 10:41:07
From left: Václav Irovský, Branch Establishment Director, LOM Praha, s.p., Lucie Orgoníková, Public Relations Manager, IDS Scheer ČR, s.r.o. and Tomáš Čáp, Executive Vice President of Comenius
From left: Ing. Jan Klas, General Director, Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic and Ing. František Padělek, Deputy Minister of Defense, Ministry of Defense Colonel Ing. Milan Šeiner, Office Head of Chief of the General Staff, ACR and Mrs. Renata Telínová, Chairman of the Board, scanservice a.s.
From left: Valery A. Agapov, Head of Representative Office in Czech Republic Rosoboronexport, Alexander Akulinin, Project Manager Russia & CIS Operations, Comenius and Ing. Zdeněk Prokop, Vice Chairman of the Board & Director, Aero Trade a.s.
From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia and Ing. Miroslav Vacek, Army General (ret.)
Gen. Ing. Pavel Štrůbl, Director of Air Accidents Investigation Institute
From left: RNDr. Miroslav Škaloud, Senator of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Ing. František Padělek, Deputy Minister of Defense, Ministry of Defense and Ing. Josef Jahoda, Commercial Director, OHL ŽS, a.s.
Mrs. Eva Trotter, Board Member, Pem-invest, a.s.
Doc. Ing. Jindřich Ploch, CSc., Director, LOM Praha, s.p.
Ing. Stanislav Novák, CSc., Vice President of Comenius and Mrs. Tereza Fajtlová
From left: Ing. Josef Jahoda, Commercial Director, OHL ŽS, a.s. and Jiří Procházka MBA, Commercial Director, Metrostav a.s.
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From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia, Eva Trotter, Board Member, Pem-invest, a.s., Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President of Comenius and Benke Aikell, your Publisher
18.5.2009 12:58:07
From left: Ing. František Padělek, Deputy Minister of Defense, Ministry of Defense, Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President of Comenius and Lieutenant General Ing. Vlastimil Picek, Chief of the General Staff of ACR
From left: Ing. Jan Oberman, CEO, Korado Consulting, s.r.o. and Benke Aikell, your Publisher
Ing. Jiří Šedivý, 4 Star General (ret.) & CEO of Generals, s.r.o.
From left: Ing. Miroslav Smola, Deputy Director of Planning and Development Division, Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic, Ing. Josef Rada, Director of Civil Aviation Authority of the Czech Republic and Gen. Ing. Pavel Štrůbl, Director of Air Accidents Investigation Institute
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
Mrs. Tereza Fajtlová and Ing. Jan Klas, General Director of Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic
From left: Ing. František Padělek, Deputy Minister of Defense, Ministry of Defense, Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President of Comenius, Lieutenant General Ing. Vlastimil Picek, Chief of the General Staff of ACR, doc. Ing. Jindřich Ploch, Director, LOM Praha, s.p., Zbyněk Eiselt, Chairman of the Board & General Director, Tietoenator Consulting, Blanka Janíčková, Public Sales, Tietoenator Consulting and Colonel Ing. Oldřich Mertin, Director, Mold Vin CZ
14.5.2009 10:44:21
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THE GIFT Karin Genton-L’Epée has 15 years of management experience in the United States, France and the Czech Republic. For the last 10 years Karin has worked as a successful business coach in the Czech Republic offering international professional expertise. As a business coach, Karin has developed a range of coaching and training programs for mid- and top-level managers to focus on leadership development, cross-cultural understanding and effective communication in an international environment. With her knowledge, skills and range of experience, Karin has been a frequent guest speaker at business conferences and educational institutions. She is also a regular contributor to business journals and magazines. Karin works in English and French and can be reached at karin@coaching.cz
Friendship is indeed a gift, and a priceless one at that. But I would only be repeating what many great minds have already said so many times before were I to try to describe the vitally important role that friendship plays in our lives. To paraphrase Cicero, the importance of friendship is the only thing in the world about which all of mankind is agreed. Having established the significance of friendship, I often wonder if friendship is a gift that we frequently take for granted. The fast pace of modern life seems to leave many people with little time for those closest to them. As a result friendship can be perceived as either a luxury (i.e. it is time consuming but doesn’t yield any tangible result) or a burden (i.e. friends can sometimes be quite demanding). Certainly, our collective obsession with work and career can often lead us to neglect our relationships with friends and family members. Not only can the desire for professional success put a strain on our most important relationships, it can also lead us to put less meaningful professional relationships ahead of personal friendships. While there is nothing wrong with aspiring for professional success and developing a network of business contacts, I have come to appreciate the well known adage that at the end of our lives, no one ever regrets not having spent more time in the office. Of course, who wouldn’t have liked to have spent more time with friends and loved ones? Nevertheless, for various reasons, it seems that friendship has come to be less significant in recent years and a host of studies have shown that friendship is an increasingly elusive phenomenon in western culture. According to an article published in USA Today in 2006, Americans have a third fewer close friends and confidants that they did just two decades ago. Citing a study in the American Sociological Review, the newspaper article noted that Americans may be living lonelier, more isolated lives than in the past. In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam supports these findings by showing how people in the United States have become increasingly disconnected from family and friends. To make his point, the American political scientist uses the decline in participation in bowling leagues as a metaphor for a gradual weakening of social capital over the last quarter century. Part of the reason for this notable decline in the
perceived value of friendshi hipp may be related to technology, which paradoxicallyy ha h s made it much easier to connect with people via em mai a l, mobile communications, and applications like Fac acebook and Skype, but at the same time keep us at an arrm’ m s length from people. As a result, we end up spending ng more time nurturing virtual relationships than face-to-fa face c friendships. While I do believe that this steady decline in the value we place on friendship is not a figment of my imagination, I suspect that the global economic slowdown could be playing a role in reversing this trend. Perhaps it is only my wishful thinking, but hopefully this economic crisis will remind us that there are things more valuable than a corner office and the latest home entertainment center? Humbled by forces beyond our control, are we now coming to realize that friends are the best marker we have for success in life? Whether or not my hypothesis is true, there are certainly some very good reasons for placing a greater value on friendship. Beyond the enjoyment that come with spending time with people we care about, our friends provide us with an important support network in dealing with more difficult periods in our lives. Whether we are going through the loss of a job, a divorce, or the death of a loved one, the support and comfort that a good friend provides can be invaluable to overcoming even life’s greatest tragedies. While it is easy to maintain relationships with people when the going is good, it is usually in a time of loss, adversity, or misfortune where we realize who our real friends are. Interestingly, those friends that stand by us in good time and in bad do more than just help us get over life’s difficulties. Several studies have shown that friends not only help improve the quality of our lives, but also keep us healthy and living longer. In 2006, a study of nearly 3,000 nurses with breast cancer found that women without close friends were four times as likely to die from the disease as women with 10 or more friends. Another study, carried out by Australian researchers and published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, showed that having friends in old age can do more for life expectancy than having family members around. Other research has shown that people who do not enjoy
a strong social network are two to three times more likely to die at a young age than those who can rely on this kind of support. As with regular exercise and a balanced diet, maintaining meaningful friendships is a proven way to improve health, prevent disease and extend life. I have been lucky enough to have lived and worked on two different continents, and have been blessed with many beautiful friendships. However, it wasn’t unntitl I moved to the Czech Republic that I fully understoodd that how the notion of friendship can often mean dififfe ferent things to different cultures. I have alw way a s admired the Czechs for the reasonable balance the heyy strike between work and play, and for always finding tim ime to spend with their friends. My experience living heree hhas shown me that friendship occupies a very special, and nd somewhat exclusive place in the Czech value system. Whi hile le it may take some time to befriend a Czech, once the frfriendship has been established, it is a relationship thatt can be relied on. Of course, for that friendship to grow, th t e trust and steadfastness of the relationship must be reeci cipr p ocated equally. Perhaps because of the country’s hist stor o y or the down-to-earth nature of the Czech people, I fifind n that the notion of friendship is taken very seriouslyy in this part of the world. Without a doubt, finding new friends in any country is not easy. While Americans for example, are typically easy-going and friendly when first meeting someone, finding a friend for life in that country is no easier than anywhere else. As a child, making friends seemed as natural as borrowing a coloured pencil. As we grow older, our friendships can take a back seat to the day-to-day responsibilities of family and careers. We become so caught up in these obligations that we sometimes put friendships aside and as a result lose some of the most important relationships in our lives. But over the years, I have learned to appreciate the importance of devoting the appropriate amount of time and attention to my friends and as a result, I have enjoyed the fruits tenfold. And when I start feeling guilty about my weekly lunches with the girls or my endless soul-bared conversation over tea, I remind myself that “a friend is a gift you give yourself”. I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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networking/charity
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
From left: JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Past President & Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Miloš Zeman, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and Ing. Jiří Opichal, Executive Head, Allimex Trading s.r.o.
Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador Guest of Honor: Ing. Miloš Zeman – Former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
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From left: Ing. Ladislav Bouček, CSc., Businessman & Past Governor, LCI Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, Jan Kalaš, Zone Chairman, Tomáš Ryba, Past Governor, LCI Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, JUDr. Jaroslav Novotný, Advocate & Membership Chairperson LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Past President & Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador
14.5.2009 11:53:27
From left: MUDr. Jiří Krhounek, Chief Physician & Gynecologist, Ing. Jiří Opichal Executive Head, Allimex Trading s.r.o and Petr Laštovka, Businessman
From left: Mr. Karl-Heinz Schumacher, LC Düsseldorf, Prof. Dr. Horst Günter, University Braunschweig and Ing. Antonín Mika, Regional Director for Foreign Trade From left: Mgr. Jaroslav Drápal, Analyst, ČSOB and Ing. Jaroslav Hořák, Businessman
From left: Prof. MUDr. Aleksi Šedo, Vice Dean, I. Medical Faculty UK, Ing. Aleš Haur, Businessman, Ing. Jiří Opichal, Executive Head, Allimex Trading s.r.o. and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Past President & Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador
Ing. Květoslav Němec, LC Praha Hartig and Mr. Jan Kalaš, Zone Chairman
From left: Ing. Jaromír Kaulfus, Businessman, Ing. Jiří Kubát, Businessman and Ing. Antonín Novotný, General Director, CSI, a.s.
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
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From left: Ing. Květoslav Němec, LC Praha Hartig, JUDr. Svatava Němcová, President, LC Praha Hartig, Oldřich Hořák, Owner of the Hotel Bílá Růže in Poděbrady, Mgr. Jaroslav Drápal, Analyst, ČSOB and Ing. Jaroslav Hořák
14.5.2009 11:54:02
EB&FF 2009 event
A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible
From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President of Comenius, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and JUDr. Karel Muzikář jr., Managing Partner Weil, Gotshal&Manges, v.o.s.
SPECIAL DINNER WITH PROF. VÁCLAV KLAUS, PRESIDENT OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC ON THE OCCASION OF THE 17TH ANNUAL
European Banking & Financial Forum 2009 AT THE PARNAS RESTAURANT
Restaurant Parnas
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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE 14.5.2009 10:55:30
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
EB&FF 2009 event
From left: JUDr. Karel Muzikář, Managing Partner Weil, Gotshal&Manges, v.o.s., István Léko, Managing Editor of Euronews, a.s., MUDr. Hana Březinová and Tomáš Březina, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Best, a.s.
H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic and H.E. Catherina von Heidenstam, Ambassador of Sweden
From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius, H.E. Karel Dyba, Ambassador, Permanent Delegation of the Czech Republic to OECD, Doc. Ing. Zdeněk Tůma, CSc., Governor of the Czech National Bank and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic
Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Benke Aikell, your Publisher, looking at the last issue of Leaders Magazine Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Dr. Bohuslava Šenkýřová, Rector of the Institute of Finance and Administration (VŠFS), o.p.s.
From left: Tomáš Březina, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Best, a.s., MUDr. Hana Březinová, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius
Dr. Bohuslava Šenkýřová, Rector of the Institute of Finance and Administration (VŠFS), o.p.s. and Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius
JUDr. Kateřina Janstová, Managing Partner AK Janstová
From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Anatoly G. Aksakov, Member of Russian Parliament & Member of the National Banking Council of the Central Bank of Russian Federation, State Duma and H.E. Ivan Kuleba, Ambassador of Ukraine
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15.5.2009 15:06:15
EB&FF 2009 event
Dr. Bohuslava Šenkýřová, Rector of the Institute of Finance and Administration (VŠFS), o.p.s., Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius, Mrs. Lucie Čadilová, Director of Prague House in Brussels and Prof. MUDr. Tomáš Zima, DrSc., Dean of the 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University in Prague
From left: H.E. Anarbek Karashev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan and H.E. Ivan Kuleba, Ambassador of Ukraine
From left: JUDr. Karel Muzikář, Managing Partner Weil, Gotshal&Manges, v.o.s., Mrs. Lucie Čadilová, Director of Prague House in Brussels, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and István Léko, Managing Editor of Euronews, a.s.
From left: PhDr. Albín Sybera, Managing Director, Sybera Enterprises spol. s r.o. and JUDr. Karel Muzikář, Managing Partner Weil, Gotshal&Manges, v.o.s. From left: Dimitrij Mizgulin, Non-professional Consul ČR and Alexander Akulinin, Project Manager Russia & CIS Operations, Comenius
From left: MUDr. Hana Březinová, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Catherina von Heidenstam, Ambassador of Sweden and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
From left: Anatoly G. Aksakov, Member of Russian Parliament & Member of the National Banking Council of the Central Bank of Russian Federation, State Duma, H.E. Ivan Kuleba, Ambassador of Ukraine and H.E. Anarbek Karashev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan
From left: Alexander Akulinin, Project Manager Russia & CIS Operations, Comenius, Anatoly G. Aksakov, Member of Russian Parliament & Member of the National Banking Council of the Central Bank of Russian Federation, State Duma, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Dimitrij Mizgulin, Non-professional Consul ČR and Vladimir Mekhryakov, Deputy Director General, Ursa Bank
14.5.2009 10:57:00
A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
Comenius/ČNB event
From left: Zdeněk Tůma, Governor of the Czech National Bank, Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius and Gernot Mittendorfer, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Česká spořitelna, a.s.
European Banking & Financial Forum 2009 WELCOME RECEPTION
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz From left: Josef Rada, General Director, Civil Aviation Authority of the Czech Republic, with wife Olga, Jan Klas, General Director of Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic, George Parobek, General Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Mrs. Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
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14.5.2009 10:57:45
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
Comenius/ČNB event
From left: Mrs. Jana Nagyová, Director of Minister Cabinet, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Ing. Jiří Uklein, PhD, Labour Office of the Czech Republic, City of Brno and Mrs. Petra A. Nováková, Senior Account Manager B.I.G
Mrs. Soňa van Deelenová, General Director, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Co-operatives and Jan Wiesner, President, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Co-operatives
Tomáš Jelínek, Executive Director, DonathBurson-Marsteller
From left: Martin Kult, Board Member of Archiving Work Group, Association for Information Society, Jaroslav Šafránek, Key Account Manager S&T CZ s.r.o. and Jiří Košťál, General Manager S&T CZ s.r.o.
From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius, George Parobek, General Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Benke Aikell, your Publisher From left: Otto Jelínek and JUDr. Karel Muzikář
From left: Alexander Akulinin, Project Manager Russia & CIS Operations, Comenius, Mrs. Irina Voloshina, Managing Director PhD, Moscow University of Industry & Finance, H.E. Alexey Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Mrs. Irina Pirogova, President, Fund of Education and Development, VOTUM Russia and Alexander P. Stepanov, Top Executive Akagemia, s.r.o.
From left: JUDr. Karel Muzikář, Managing Partner Weil, Gotshal&Manges, v.o.s. and Stephen J. Dannhauser, Chairman Weil, Gotshal & Manges, USA
PLM_0903_events_1.indd 32
From left: Ing. Vladimír Dohnal, President of Top Hotels Group and Petr Kynštetr, Secretary General, House of Representatives, Parliament of the Czech Republic
From left: Zdeněk Čáp, Managing Partner Equity Solutions, Mrs. Lucie Orgoníková, PR Manager, IDS Scheer ČR, Martin Hájek, Partner of Hájek Zrzavecký Attorneyship, s.r.o., with wife Petra
15.5.2009 11:21:50
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
Comenius/ČNB event
From left: Ing. Jiří Uklein, PhD, Labour Office of the Czech Republic, City of Brno and Ing. Vladimír Plašil, Chairman of the Board, Alta, a.s.
Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius with wife Zita
From left: Kamil Janáček, Chief Economist of Komerční banka, a.s. and JUDr. Vojtěch Filip, Deputy Chairman, Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament
From left: Ms. Tereza Fendrychová, EB&FF Project Manager, Comenius, Antonín Skalický, Bertramka and Ms. Hana Sojková, Director, Bertramka
Mrs. Zita Muzikářová and Jan Oberman, CEO, Korado Consulting, s.r.o
From left: Martin Kryl, Director & Member of the Board of Directors, LBBW Bank CZ, a.s., Mrs. Zdena Indruchová, CEO, AČPM and Tomáš Indruch
From left: Stanislav Beneš, General Director & Chairman of the Board, ČD-Telematika, Tomáš Rutrle, General Director, Fujitsu Siemens Computers s.r.o., Mrs. Renata Telínová, Chairman of the Board, scanservice, Zbyněk Eiselt, General Manager, Chairman of the Board, TietoEnator Consulting, a.s. and Milan Zajíček, Vice Charman of the Board, scanservice, a.s.
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
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14.5.2009 10:58:54
Comenius/ČNB event
A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
Zdenek Tůma, Governor, Czech National Bank
European Banking & Financial Forum 2009 DAY 1: HOW DIFFERENT WILL THE WORLD COME OUT OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL CRISIS?
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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
From left: H. E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador, Embassy of Israel and James Cusumano, Leading Expert on Global Energy Security and Chairman of Chateau Mcely
14.5.2009 10:59:30
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
Comenius/ČNB event
In front: Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy and George Parobek, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy LTD., behind from left: Josef Rada, General Director, Civil Aviation Authority of the Czech Republic, and Petr Fajtl, Director of ANS Planning and Development Division, Air Navigation Services of the CR
From left: Jörgen Hoolmé, Director, Head of International Team, Dresdner Bank and Ing. Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius
Karl Tantscher, Director, East Consulting
From left: Radovan Jelašič, Governor, National Bank of Serbia and Charles L. Evans, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Prof. Tomáš Zima, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
Christine Lagarde, French Minister of Finance Charles L. Evans, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius, H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic and Ivan Šramko, Governor, National Bank of Slovakia
Zbyněk Eiselt, Chairman of the Board and General Director, TietoEnator Consulting
From left: Anatoly G. Aksakov, President, Association of Regional Banks, Russian Federation and Ing. Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius
PLM_0903_events_1.indd 35
Lunch for VIP invited guests
14.5.2009 11:00:06
Comenius/ČNB event Igor Vasilijevič Borisov, Advisor to the Governor of the Khanty-Mansyisk Region
From left: Ms. Katerina Jansak, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Ms. Iva Jenickova, Project Coordinator, Ifield Computer Consultancy Mrs. Věra Jourová, Primavera Consulting
From left: Julius Kudka, Chairman of the Board & General Director, Euler Hermes Cescob and H. E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia
Josef Rada, General Director, Civil Aviation Authority CR
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Vladimir Mekhryakov, Deputy Director General, Ursa Bank
From left: Charles L. Evans, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Radovan Jelašič, Governor, National Bank of Serbia, Ivan Šramko, Governor, National Bank of Slovakia and Andranik Norekyan, Member of the Board, Central Bank of Armenia
14.5.2009 11:01:02
A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius and Victor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine
Comenius/ČNB event IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE Special Opening Speech by Victor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine
European Banking & Financial Forum 2009 DAY 2: CZECH NATIONAL BANK (ČNB)
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz From left: Petr Šmída, former CEO, ALFA Bank, Russia, Vladimír Dlouhý, International Adviser, Goldman Sachs, Mrs. Elena Kohútiková, Deputy CEO, VÚB, Slovakia and H.E. Petr Brňo, Ambassador, Embassy of Slovakia
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
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14.5.2009 11:08:00
Comenius/ČNB event
From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius and Yuri Dobrynin, Vice-President of Moscow Office, A.T. Kearney
Jiří Steif, Country Head, A.T. Kearney and Mrs. Elena Kohútiková, Deputy CEO, VÚB, Slovakia
Petr Stuchlík, CEO, Fincentrum
Erik Best, Publisher, The Fleet Sheet
From left: Jan Zuska, Associate Director, Representative, UBS AG, Costa Vayenas, Executive Director, Wealth Management, UBS and Stefan Staub, Executive Director, Senior Representative, UBS AG
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY PLM_0903_events_1.indd 38
Martin Kryl, Director, LBBW Bank CZ
Vladimír Dlouhý, International Adviser, Goldman Sachs
Arnaud Leclercq, Group Holding Partner, Lombard Odier
From left: Petr Šmída, former CEO, ALFA Bank, Russia, Gernot Mittendorfer, Chairman of the Board & CEO, Česká Spořitelna, Vladimír Dlouhý, International Adviser, Goldman Sachs, Costa Vayenas, Executive Director, Wealth Management, UBS and Vladislav Chernikov, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President of Holding Credit Bank, Moscow
15.5.2009 11:29:21
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
Comenius/ČNB event
Christoph Plein, Chief Operating Officer, ALLIANZ and Mrs. Alexis George, CEO, ING Czech and Slovak Republics
From left: Alois Lanegger, Director, Raiffeisen - Leasing Real Estate and Albin Sybera, General Director, Sybera Enterprises
Arnaud Leclercq, Group Holding Partner, Lombard Odier
From left: Vladislav Chernikov, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President of Holding Credit Bank, Moscow and Ing. Igor Fisun, CEO of Stamont-Metal International, spol. s r.o.
From left: Jörgen Hoolmé, Director, Head of International Team, Dresdner Bank, Mirko Lachman, Senior Adviser, Leaders Magazine and Andreas Simek, Director, Private Wealth Management, Deutsche Bank (Switzerland) AG
From left: Zdeněk Tůma, Governor, Czech National Bank, Victor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine and Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius
From left: Ing. Jaromír Jungbauer, Director of Financial Sector VZP ČR, MUDr. Pavel Horák, CSc., MBA, Managing Director of VZP ČR and Jan Halama, Economic Deputy Director VZP ČR
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
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15.5.2009 11:31:59
Comenius/ČNB event
A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible
From left: MUDr. Pavel Bém, Lord Mayor of Prague and Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius
European Banking & Financial Forum 2009 DAY 3: LORD MAYOR´S RESIDENCE
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY PLM_0903_events_1.indd 40
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Mrs. Irina Voloshina, Managing Director PhD, Moscow University of Industry & Finance and Alexander P. Stepanov, Top Executive Akagemia, s.r.o.
15.5.2009 15:07:37
Comenius/ČNB event
From left: Yuri Dobrynin, Vice President, A.T. Kearney, Moscow, Michal Čupa, CEO, Microsoft Russia, Arnaud Leclercq, Group Holding Partner, Lombard Odier, Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius and Vladimír Plašil, Chairman of the Board Alta
Luboš Hlinovský, Finance Director, Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic
From left: Evgueni Stoyanov, International Bank for Economic Co-operation and František Šejnoha, Treasury Head of Financial Markets Dept., International Bank For Economic Co-operation
From left: Igor Fisun, CEO, Stamont-Metal and Ing. Hugo Kysilka, Vice-President & CMO Vemex, s.r.o. Ing. Josef Tauber, Director of Czech Bank Association
From left: PhDr. Albín Sybera, General Director, Sybera Enterprises spol. s r.o., Ing. Jan Málek, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic and Zbyněk Eiselt, General Manager, Chairman of the Board TietoEnator Consulting, a.s.
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY 15.5.2009 11:35:01
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
Comenius/ČNB event
From left: Arnaud Leclercq, Group Holding Partner, Lombard Odier, Jörgen Hoolmé, Director of International Team Dresdner Bank and Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius
From left: Alexander Shashkov and Alexander Akulinin, Project Manager Russia & CIS Operations, Comenius
Igor Fisun, CEO, Stamont-Metal
Opening speech of Pavel Bém, Lord Mayor of Prague
Tomáš Sedláček, Chief Macroeconomic Strategist, ČSOB
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From left: Mrs. Irina Pirogova, Prezident Votum and Mrs. Irina Voloshina, Managing Director PhD., Moscow University of Industry & Finance
Jan Klas, General Director Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic
Petr Šmída, former CEO, ALFA Bank, Russia
15.5.2009 15:09:29
gourmet event
From left: Miloš Janů, Owner of Noble Club 1357, Jean Paul Mery, Owner Cognac Mery et Fils and Jiří Paroubek, Chairman of ČSSD and former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
La Vinotheque
The place in Malá Strana next to the baroque St. Nicolas Church where the dreams come true – one of the unique places bringing special people together. It is where those fond of arts and good drinks and food meet. In its orientation, La Vinotheque NOBLE CLUB 1357 aspires to offer services tailored to meet requirements of both individual and corporate customers. You are cordially invited to visit our vinotheque and gallery.
NOBLE CLUB 1357 Cognac Mery et Fils
From left: Jiří Paroubek, Chairman of ČSSD and former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mrs. Jana Hoferová and JUDr. Pavel Smutný, Partner Císař Češka Smutný Law Firm
From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Miloš Janů, Owner of Noble Club 1357 and Jiří Paroubek, Chairman of ČSSD and former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
From left: Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, Composer and Chief of Okamžitý Filmový Orchestr, with a friend
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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
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14.5.2009 20:02:05
launching event (Prague, April 2, 2009) Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and Orchid Investment Ltd. today announce the official opening of the Sheraton Prague Charles Square Hotel, marking the entry of the Sheraton brand into the vital Czech Republic market. The Sheraton Prague Charles Square Hotel is located between the Old Town and Prague’s new part and features 160 rooms and suites. Equally close to Wenceslas Square and the great museums and theatres, it houses modern hospitality within a historical ambience. Roeland Vos, President, Europe, Africa & Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, INC.
Opening of the First
Sheraton Hotel in Prague more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
From left: Gernot Mittendorfer, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Česká Spořitelna with his wife and Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine
Erhard Noreisch, Senior Vice President, Regional Director, East & Central Europe, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. with his partner
Felix Slováček, renowned Musician
Miroslav Tacl, Chairman of the Board, Allianz with his partner
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From left: Ladislav Špaček, FreeCom Group with his wife and Benke Aikell, your Publisher with the last number of Leaders Magazine
14.5.2009 12:05:34
From left: Ing. Pavel Hlinka, President of AHR with his wife and Michal Kárník, General Director of Congress Center Praha with his wife
Aqua show
Steven A. Gundy, Branch Manager of GS Wealth Management
JUDr. Ing. Otakar Schlossberger, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board of Directors, Akcenta with his wife
Amir Sasson, Managing Director of International Tourism Group, Monika Plsárová, Operation Manager of International Tourism Group and Jitka Mikolášová, Executive Director of Miss Aerobik, a.s.
From left: Christoph J Knichel, General Manager of Sheraton Prague Charles Square Hotel, Avi Cohen, Partner of Orchid Investment LTD., MUDr. Pavel Bém, Lord Mayor of Prague and Roeland Vos, President, Europe, Africa & Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
The hotel opens its doors following 21 months of construction and restoration. The former courtyard of the building has now been converted into an impressive double height lobby with sky lights and a golden ceiling. The “Diamond” lobby bar with its cozy atmosphere creates a warm contrast to the bright lobby space. Guests are invited to relax in the hotel’s interactive lobby space where they will find the Link@SheratonSM experienced by Microsoft®. This communications hub delivers the technology services guests expect while on the road, allowing them to check their emails, stay connected to work and share experiences with family and friends.“Prague is one of the most exciting cities in the region for Starwood and we are thrilled to be entering the market with Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s most global and recognized hotel brands,” said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “I would therefore like to thank Orchid Investment for the opportunity they have given us and the trust they have shown towards Sheraton.” Christoph J Knichel has been General Manager of Sheraton Prague Charles Square since September 2008. 41 year-old German-born Knichel, is a graduate of the prestigious Glion Institute of Higher Education in Glion-sur-Montreux, Switzerland, and holds a BA in Hospitality & Tourism as well as an MBA from the University of Applied Sciences in Chur, Switzerland. The opening of the hotel 45 has also employed approximately 100 new associates, a positive step towards supporting and connecting with Prague’s local market.
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15.5.2009 11:53:28
networking/charity
A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible
Guest of Honor – Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, many years Parliament Member and Chairman of the Foreign Commitee of the Parliament
From left: Ing. Zbyněk Štáf, Food Consulting Agency and President of Lions Club Prague Eagle and Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, Consultant, many years Parliament Member and Chairman of the Foreign Commitee of the Parliament
Lions Club Prague Eagle Political/Diplomatic Evening
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
PLM_0903_events__2.indd 46
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
From left: General Andor Šándor (ret.) in his speech, JUDr. Pavel Kučera, Deputy Chief Judge of Supreme Court and Ing. Jan Fišer, Director, Manta Medica
14.5.2009 12:06:52
From left: Michael Vít, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief Public Health Officer, Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic and Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine
From left: Ing. Zbyněk Štáf, Food Consulting Agency and President of Lions Club Prague Eagle, Jaroslav Kubista and Karel Pezl, 4-star Army General (ret.)
Ing. Stanislav Slavík
From left: Miroslav Votruba, Sales Director, Eurest, s.r.o. and MUDr. Jan Bříza, CSc., MBA, General University Hospital in Prague
PharmDr. Petr Svoboda, General Director, Baxter Czech s.r.o., speaking to the board
Mrs. J. Germenis, Owner of Blatná Castle and Count Jan Dobrzenský, Owner of Chotěboř Castle
Ing. Luboš Hlinovský, Financial Director of Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic and his wife
From left: Radim Mertl, Director East Europe, SoloDoor, Ing. Tomáš Cikán, General Director, ESO Travel a.s., Ing. Jan Fišer, Director, Manta Medica, Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, Consultant, many years Parliament Member and Chairman of the Foreign Commitee of the Parliament and Martin Barták, student
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY
14.5.2009 12:07:31
Prof. MUDr. Julius ŠŠppičá ččák, k CS CSc S .,., the Head of the Clinni nic of Heppatoogastro gasstr ga tro roent oent enteero erroolog logg y logy of the Institute for Clinic nii al an and n Ex E xpe per erime rime m nt nta t al Medicine (IKEM) Photo: Paul Pacey
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13.5.2009 20:13:48
An interview with Professor MUDr. Juulius Špičák, CSc., Head of the Clinic of Hepatogastroenterology of the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM)
The Czech Health Care System Provides for Only a Little Motivation of Both the Provider and the Patients What brought you to medicine and to the interest in hepatogastroenterology? Both my parents were doctors and I tended to biology as well as to history since my childhood. There had to be the subliminal impacts of the environment, yet I can exclude any direct influence of my parents; my university choice was decided primarily by two factors: I did not like any form of technology and maths, and I refused the political control which was obvious for instance at the Law or Philosophical Faculty. So, I arrived at the medical faculty partly also by the exclusion method. As a son of parents affected by the era I did not nave too much choice after graduation. Starting in unattractive industrial fields was perceived as a certain cleansing away and return to the roots by the then regime. Consequently, I started at Ústí nad Labem where, however, was an outstanding hospital and internal medicine was led by a gastroenterologist, Associate Professor Bitter. It was a great school I exploited in many years later on. It shaped me in the basic aspects forever. After two years I moved to Prague where I inherited my flat. Associate Professor Bitter just by pure chance talked with a gastroenterologist, Professor Frič from the First Faculty of Medicine. He was looking for an intern at that time, so I was recommended to him. The Clinic of Hepatogastroenterology focuses among other issues predominantly on the liver transplantation programme. What does this programme offer? The liver transplantation programme offers actually a miracle for the result of this treatment is outstanding in medicine: it is the recovery from the stage of a progressively and irrevocably backfiring vital organ. People with fatal disablement fully recover and return to active life. I think it is one of the greatest joys in my life that I can take part in the transplantation programme. What results have you achieved within this programme? The concept has been clear since the very beginning: to create a centre fully comparable with centres of European reputation. We managed to create it – we carry out about 70 liver transplants with high quality parameters per year. I would like to point out that it depends on an exceptional team work and thus required a very high level of quality. The Clinic also specializes in the treatment of tumours of the digestive tract. According to the statistics, they are one of the most frequent death reasons. What causes these diseases and what is the possible improvement for the future?
The high level of morbidity and mortality of tumours is given by the impact of our civilization, the key risk factors are primarily obesity, diet rich in fat and meat, smoking and alcohol. The essential reform lies in their elimination which is difficult to influence as we belong to a consumerist and self-indulgent society. Therefore we have to fight these diseases with tools offered by meddicine, i.e. with active searching for the early and thus reemovable tumours; with good diagnostics, surgery and onncology. Could you name some research projects at your clinic? The opportunities for research are exceptional at the IKEM and my team is therefore extremely motivvated. The research is focused on transplantation problem ms, for instance on the early diagnostics of post-transpplantation complications and the most suitable post-transplantation immunosuppressive treatment; screeninng for the early stages in intestinal tumours; pathogeneesis of tumours and liver disorders, endoscopic opperational treatment with the means of a natural orifice (so-called without scars), i.e. through the mouth and recc tum, and the treatment of chronic inflammatory disordeers – liver and intestines. The IKEM has considerably developed since its foundation. Where can you see the IKEM´s biggest assets for the patients? The IKEM is an entirely unique institution within the range of specialized services and with the ratio of the number of doctors and for instance with thee ratio of presentations and publications abroad and wiith regard to the number of doctors, we could hardly findd anything comparable with it even on the world-wide scaale. It provides for unique medical methods in all mainn spheres which are under constant development: transsplants of four various organs, specialized cardio-surgicaal and cardiologic methods, specialized treatment of the disorders of the abdominal organs and complication of diabetes. The IKEM is typical for creative ideas, relaxeddness and liberal environment. The present managementt provided the IKEM´s development process with great research assistance and with the pre-set of the motivaation principles it gave it a great dynamics without chaanging the liberal “dress code”. The IKEM has recently become “famous” for the launching of the e-learning portal aimed at the increase of the employees’ qualification. What is your experience with it? I am not sure to what degree the IKEM hass become “famous” for it and as far as computers are cooncerned,
I am just a standard user. However, similar programmes enable self-cultivatioon in any field with the appreciation and accomplishmennt of relevant certificates. I believe that this is one of edducational forms whose role is going to grow. Modern medicine in general passes through dynamic changes which logically require high costs. According to you, what should be the most efficient system of health care funding in the Czech Republic? The basic system has to be based on insurance. There should be more meaans flowing into health care, yet it is not only about it. Thhe health of the Americans or of the Brits does not differr very much. Some American statistics are bad even thhough the health care system there receives the amountt of several British health budgets. Unfortunately, the Czzech health care system provides for only a little motivation of both the provider and the patients. It rather de-m motivates the most eligible graduates of medical faculties or it eventually repels them so they end up abroad (I cann see it after all in my own family as my daughter graduattes this year). However, coming back to your question, I coonsider it all fatal, manifesting itself so far “only” within thhe academic field though. We should have no illusions – the most efficient motivation is the financial one. The siick have to see their money coming into the system and they have to be able to influence it. Yet, we are telling theem: provide us with your money and do not ask anything, we will take care of it. The differentiation in salaries am mong certain categories of doctors is crucial (as what else should motivate you in your further education?). However, the differences are ridiculously small, everyone makes sort of similar money: in state sector, in the private sector, with attestation, with grants, with publicaations or without them, the head physician or the depputy, working a lot or little …everything is equal. But, attention, in spite of all this, the level of Czech clinical meedicine is outstanding! What other branch is comparabble to the average of the historical EU? Is it perhaps traansport or agriculture? Medicine is, however, an immenssely irrational political vehicle and dissatisfaction existt s abroad as well. Yet, we can relativize, while migration of the competent ones will be a very unfortunate indicatoor. There might be a skilful manager who will come to the Czech Republic, but hardly a skilled young doctor, not eveen from a Third World country. By Pavlína Holancová I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Maggazine III/ I 2009
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P f. Jos Pro Josef ef VVym ef y ymazal, M.D.,, PhD hD D Headd of Hea of Depa ppaartm r ent n of Radio Raadio iodia odiagno dia iagno gn sti s c and st MR Un Uni nit of of thee Na N Hom o olc om olcee Hosp ospita ita taal Phooto: to Pa P uull Pac Paceyy
IT IS ALL ABOUT
PERSONAL COMMITMENT Interviews.indd 50
18.5.2009 13:09:42
An interview with Proff. Josef Vymazal, M.D., PhD,, Head of Department of Radiodiagnostic andd MR Unit of the Na Homolce Hospital Prof. Josef Vymazal, M.D., Ph.D. is a clinical neurologist by original educatioon. He started specializing in radiodiagnostic and research more during his work and studies in the USA. After his return he used the exxperiience he had gained in the Na Homolce Hospital where he currently holds the post of Head of Department of Radiodiagnostic and MR Unit. He lectures at the First Faculty of Medicine of the Charles University and at the Czech Technical University in Prague. He is thee authhor of many academic publications and articles. What brought you from neurology to imaging methods? As a clinical neurologist I left shortly after the 19889 Velvet Revolution for an internship in the USA – my originally planned two-month stay turned into five years of work. Where did you work? I was at the National Institutes of Health in Beethesda, Maryland; it is one of the most renowned research medical centres in the US and a top research institute. I workeed at the Institute of Neurology but I was keen on imaging methods already since my medical studies so I got more involved in it there. Before I left, these methods were not widely used in the Czech Republic/Czechoslovakia due to a small nuumber of units available. They were on a quite good technical level but only few patients could be examined owing to their limited accessibility; also the room for research was absoluutely minimal. And then I suddenly found myself in an instittute with 15 MR units concentrated just in one building – in thhe whole Czech Republic one could find five or six of them in total. I dedicated my time to magnetic resonance and whhen I returned, I completed my education in radiology. Today,, I devote myself more to radiology and imaging but it is well possible to combine it with neurology. When I evaluate the reesults of imaging methods and examinations, it is useful to be able to consider the clinical aspects, too. Did you consider the possibility of staying in the USA? Yes, I was not sure I wanted to return after such a loong time and there were times I was convinced I would not com me back. I managed to complete all examinations necessaryy for the legalization of my medical education at first try. I diddn’t have even a day off because of my exams and I studied at night. The fact I succeeded in the exams can be attributeed to the high level of education at the First Faculty of Medicinne of the Charles University, I think. Also the top Prague highh-school Arabská prepared me well; when it was necessary too refresh my knowledge of physics and chemistry for my basic medical research, it was not a problem at all. What made you come back? It was for several reasons. First, I was thinking of why to live in the USA if we were living in a free society already, and then that I would be perhaps more needed back home with my experience. One also often decides emotionally, so another impulse contributing to my decision was paradoxically a festival of Czech films which took place in Washingtton D.C. sometime in 1995. It was a very well prepared and popular cultural event. The films were in Czech with English subtitles and the cinemas were sold out. After the show, onne of my colleagues whom I invited there – Dane, Italian, or Am merican, came to me and said: “What are you doing here? Succh a cultural country, cultural superpower – go home!” A bit later I also got a call from doctor Šubrt, director of the Na Homolce Hospital who managed the clinic until 2006, and hee offered me a job. There was a Leksell Gamma Knife operating there and the hospital just purchased a MR unit, and the director was interested in somebody experienced from ovverseas. I started working in Na Homolce Hospital almost one year later, in September 1996. I established a MR unit within the department of radiology and radiodiagnostics; we haave three super-modern units now and following the US model,, we also carry out research. We publish, cooperate with topp specialists from the university – for example with Professor Evžen Růžička or Associate Professor Robert Jech.
In your research, what do you specialize in? I specialize mostly in brain research. I can thhus combine both my specializations and in cooperattion wiith the First Faculty of Medicine, where I lecture and tutoor PhD students, we focus on the neurodegenerative diseases inn our research – in particular on Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseasee. Is your research dedicated to the ways how to discover the disease as early as possible? Yes, our aim is the fastest and most precise diagnostics possible, but we also explore whether an imagee of patient’s brain can tell us more about his or her prognnosis. For example, two years ago we published a study thatt theree are certain links to the changes of the brain signal in ceertain nucleuses in relation to the genetic burden of the patieents with Huntington’s disease. What stage of your research are you currently at? We are dealing with mapping of the white brain matter mostly and it seems we could expect somee signiff icant results just in the area of neurodegenerative diseaases sooon. We also focus intensively on the functional MR; magnetic resonance today is not only a morphological method buut it is also a method suitable for description of certain brain funnctionss. We explore where different centres are allocated in a brainn, which has a very concrete and practical impact on neuroosurgery and planning of operations. It is a very interestting annd important issue with distinct consequences for clinicaal medicine. Important brain centres for movement or speechh do noot have to be located in the same place every time; very often, they are not even in the same hemisphere – the centre foor speeech is mostly located in the left hemisphere, includingg most of the lefthanders, but it can be situated in the right hemispphere or even in both. We can detect it by instructing a patientt who is lying in a MR unit to think of nouns starting with particcular letter at our signal. At that moment, the speech cenntre gett s activated, the brain blood flow changes as well as, conseequently, the magnetic quality of the blood in the given area. It is very important to map these centres before a brain neurosurgery takes place. Today, neurosurgeons often operatte according to the so called 3D virtual brain models crreated by magnetic resonance; we are able to insert into them what iss where, and lately we have been trying to add also what leads where. Are you still involved into the issue of the gamma knife because of which you, in fact, returned from the USA? It is a team work – modern medicine is about work of multidisciplinary teams, there has to be very close cooperation, not competition among various fields. Whhen opperating with our gamma knife – and our gamma knife is by thhe way going to celebrate 10.000 treated patients sooon, which is one of the highest number in the world and our experiience in this field is also internationally recognized, a neurosurgeon operates with the assistance of neuroradiologist, neurologist, physicist and radiation oncologist. We ourselvves conduct spinal interventions within intervention radioology, using computer tomography (CT) and classic X-ray; a vertebra is imaged, a problematic spot located and f illed inn by cement with a special hollow needle. Above all, by this meethod we are able to treat fractures of vertebra body emerginng mostly in relation to osteoporosis. Most of our clients are older ladies with osteoporotic fractures, which aree very painful. After a successful spinal intervention the pain disapppears almost immediately.
The imaging methods are experiencing a precipitate development. What do you think is the future of your field? The development is truly very fast. In the second half of the 20th century we experienced two breaking points. One of them was the discovery of computer tomography which was introduced into clinical practice in the middle of the 1970’s, and the second was magnetic resonance roughly ten years later. This was an absolute revolution in imaging. Since that time other imaging techniques have emerged and developed – positron emission tomography for example, but no other groundbreaking revolution has taken place. The existing methods and techniques are rather being improved. For example, CT these days is very fast; at its beginnings it took approximately one minute to process one layer or cut. Modern devices today are able to image the whole brain in a couple of seconds; it is a tremendous increase of speed and output. Similarly with the MR, the examination is much faster and also the scale of cases it can be used on has increased enormously. Originally, it was a technique designed and determined for neurology only, perhaps for the examination of some junctures, too. Today we are examining a beating heart. We are performing about 300 of such examinations in our hospital every year. It is the most precise current technique for distinguishing the level of affliction of an infarct scar. So we are not expecting a new groundbreaking imaging method to emerge in the upcoming years; the current ones are rather to get further innovated and simplified. One of your research grants concerns bringing new applications into clinical practice… Yes, we would like to transfer some of the current techniques used in research into clinical practice. In order to achieve this, experimental methods have to be simplified. For instance, to learn about the scale of affliction of the white brain matter by neurodegenerative disease, one has to perform quite difficult mathematic calculations. In clinical practice none would do that. It is necessary to get a clear result as fast as possible. Together with one talented student of mine, doctor Keller, we transferred the calculations and projected them with the help of a colour scale so that the changes and their scale are clear at first sight. The thing is that medical doctors hate numbers, calculations and equations. When I lecture about physical principles of magnetic resonance to the students of medicine or doctors, I try to avoid all mathematic theorems and formulas because I know that at the moment I started, more than half of them would stop listening. And I know it would be the same in clinical practice. How do you manage to combine lectures, research and your job at the clinic? It is quite difficult; I also have three relatively small children. I have very little time for my own research now but if any idea crosses my mind, I am lucky enough to have my postgraduate students who are willing to work on that. The hospital and university provides them with decent facilities; we operate top computers and technique but all is about personal commitment of such a young person who must know it will require more then eight hours a day and possibly they will have to come on Sundays, too – but in one’s life, it is all about personal commitment. By Věra Řiháčková I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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18.5.2009 13:22:58
culture event UNDER THE AUSPICES OF: JÁN FIGEĽ Member of the European Commission responsible for Education, Training, Culture and Youth MIREK TOPOLÁNEK Prime Minister of the Czech Republic VÁCLAV JEHLIČKA Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic
Smetana Hall in the Municipal House Prague on 13th March 2009
9 Annual Gala Benefit Evening Trebbia th
TREBBIA 13TH MARCH 2009
PRESENTING OF EUROPEAN TREBBIA AWARDS FOR SUPPORT OF CULTURE AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES AND BENEFIT CHEQUES TO CHOSEN FOUNDATIONS Laureates of the European Trebbia Award for SUPPORT OF CULTURE:
Laureates of the European Trebbia Award for CREATIVE ACTIVITIES:
Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia ŠKODA AUTO, Inc. Norbert Auerbach, Film Producer and Ex-President of the United Artists Company
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE Trebbia.indd 52
Markus Lüpertz, Painter and Sculptor (Germany) Olbram Zoubek, Sculptor and Painter (Czech Republic) Galsan Tschinag, Writer (Mongolia)
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
Scenic composition Trebbia, Adéla Srncová, Dance and Members of the Black Theatre, Jiří Srnec, Stage Design and Choreography
13.5.2009 19:33:43
From left: PhDr. Miro Smolák, Chairperson of the INC Trebbia, Dr. Artur Chilingarov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation and President of the Polar Explorers Association, Miroslav Haš, Entrepreneur and Auction Acquirer of the Jiří Sopko Graphic Work, Svetozár Martinický, Trustee of the Prameň Foundation, the Slovak Republic
From left: Miloš Zeman, Ex-Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and H.E. Dr. Chem Widhya, Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni From left: Osmany Laffita, Czech-Cuban Couturier, Frank Kortan, Czech Painter and José Manuel Labrada Terna, Bassoonist of the Symphonic Orchestra Santiago de Cuba
From left: Petr Bratský, Member of the Subcommittee for Culture of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, František Komárek, General Director of the Moravské naftové doly Company and H.E. Ochir Enkhtur, Ambassador of Mongolia in the Czech Republic
Dimitrij Kogan, famous Russian Violin Virtuoso and Mrs. Xenia Chilingarova, Journalist and PR Manager, Moscow
From left: MUDr. Ján Lešták, Director of Oční Klinika JL in Prague, PhDr. Miro Smolák, Chairperson of the International Nomination Committee (INC) Trebbia and Mrs. Mathilda Nostitz, Patron of the MATHILDA Association
From left: Mrs. Kateřina Luisa Daňhelová, General Director of the SYNOT LOTTO Holding, JUDr. František Mikeš, 1st Deputy of the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic and Markus Lüpertz, Painter and Sculptor, Laureate of the European Trebbia Award 2009, Rector of the State Artistic Academy in Düsseldorf
From left: Tomáš Hanák, Patron of the Pomozte dětem Association, Mrs. Zdeňka Sigmundová, Member of the Trebbia Foundation Board, Mrs. Jitka Novotná, Moderator, Czech TV and Ľubomír Bajaník, Moderator, Slovak TV From left: Prof. Eva Blahová , Mrs. Alena Miro, and Mrs. Gabriela Šetlíková
From left: Ondřej Černý, Director of the National Theatre Prague and Reinhard Jung, Chairman of the Board of Škoda Auto, Inc.
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From left: Dr. Jutta Walter, Director of Commerzbank, Subdivision Prague, Martin J. Stránský, Doctor, Pedagogue, Editor and Publicist and Olbram Zoubek, Sculptor, Laureate of the European Trebbia Award 2009
13.5.2009 19:34:15
From left: Miloš Zeman, Ex-Prime Minister of the Czech Republic with daughter Kateřina and wife Ivana and Ing. Miroslav Grégr, Ex-Minister of the Czech Republic with daughter Stanislava
From left: Mrs. Zuzana Tančaková, Hotel Hilton Prague, Ulf Landeberg, General Director of the Crowne Plaza Prague Castle Hotel, Mrs. Tanja Dandárová, Manager of the Crowne Plaza Prague Castle Hotel, Mrs. Růžena Nechanská, CONTI CAPITAL Inc. and Mrs. Eliška Coolidge- Hašková, Coolidge Consulting Services, Member of the INC Trebbia
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From left: Mrs. Michaela Kortan, Product Manager, Schwan-STABILO Cosmetics, Frank Kortan, Czech Painter and Prof. Markus Lüpertz, Painter and Sculptor, Laureate of the European Trebbia Award 2009
From left: Miloš Janů M.Sc. (Econ.), NOBLE Services Ltd., H.E. Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Duaij, Ambassador of Kuwait and Hassan Ezedine
From left: Olbram Zoubek, Painter and Sculptor, Laureate of the European Trebbia Award 2009 with wife, Mrs. Marta Gellová, Secretary General AFIZ, Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine and Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Member of the INC Trebbia
On the screen: Galsan Tschinag, Mongolian Writer, Laureate of the European Trebbia Award 2009 with TV Presenter in the studio Norddeutscher Rundfung in Hamburg are connected through the tele-bridge with the Smetana Hall
13.5.2009 19:34:59
From left: Ing. Jana Bobošíková, Member of the European Parliament, Ing. Pavel Bobošík, Director of SAHM Ltd. and JUDr. František Mikeš, 1st Deputy of the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic
From left: Mrs. Deana Jakubisková, Actress and Film Producer, Jakubisko film Ltd., Mrs. Dinara Kashagana, Kazakh Film Actress and Juraj Jakubisko, Film Director
From left: David Vodrážka, 1st Vice Chairman of ODS and Mayor of Prague 13 and Miro Smolák, Chairperson of the INC Trebbia
From left: Mrs. Gabriela Šetlíková, Visagist, H.E. Alexey Leonidovich Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Czech Republic and Jadran Šetlík, Photographer
From left: Mrs. Deana Jakubisková, Actress and Film Producer, Jakubisko film Ltd. and Jan Zahradil, Member of the European Parliament with wife
From left: Boris E. Rasskazov, Head of Krasnogorsk District, Moscow Region and Prof. Artur Chilingarov, Special Plenipotentiary of the President of the Russian Federation and President of the Polar Explorers Association
From left: MUDr. Martin Kuncek, General Director of B. Braun Avitum Ltd. with wife, Mrs. Alena Miro, Soloist of the State Opera Prague and Miro Smolák, Chairperson of the INC Trebbia
From left: Dr. Dipl. Ing. Danuše Siering, Siering Inc., Mrs. Jaroslava Skálová, Czech Entrepreneur, Monaco and Juan Ricardo Braun, Writer and President of the Journalist with no Borders
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From left: Michael Haas, Owner of the Galerie Michael Haas Berlin and Zürich, Member of the INC Trebbia and Svatopluk Zapletal, Czech Painter and Illustrator living in Germany
From left: Norbert Auerbach, Film Producer and Laureate of the European Trebbia Award 2009 and Jiří Bartoška, Actor and Director of the International Film Festival Karlovy Vary
From left: Amri Aminov, Tajik Sculptor living in Paris, Author of the Trebbia Statuette and Laureate of the European Trebbia Award 2007, Mrs. Milka Jarová and Mgr. Miloš Jaro, Director of the Czech House in Moscow
13.5.2009 19:37:07
Mrs. Olga Kyndlová, State Opera Prague, Tomáš Šimerda, Opera Director and Head of the Opera Ústí nad Labem and Tomáš Kyndl, State Opera Prague
From left: Mrs. Marta Gellová, Secretary General AFIZ, Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine and Mrs. Natali Ruden, Fashion Designer Mrs. Alena Miro, Soprano, Soloist of the State Opera Prague, Otokar Klein, Tenor, Soloist of the Slovak National Theatre Bratislava and Jakub Hrůša, Chief Conductor of the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
Michael Kocáb, Minister for Human Rights and National Minorities of the Czech Republic, Mrs. Kateřina Jacques, Member of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Green Party and Vice-Chairperson of the Party, Petr Bratský, Member of the Subcommittee for Culture of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and Mrs. Eliška Coolidge-Hašková, former Assistant of five American Presidents, Member of the INC Trebbia
From left: Miloš Zapletal, Ex-President of Miss ČR with wife, Svatopluk Zapletal, Czech Painter and Illustrator living in Germany
From left: Polar Explorer with the Graphic Work by Professor Jiří Sopko that was exhibited on the North Pole in 2005, Miro Smolák, Auctioneer and the INC Trebbia Chairperson, Jitka Novotná, Moderator, Czech TV and Ľubomír Bajaník, Moderator, Slovak TV
A special thanks to the following GENERAL PARTNERS:
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PARTNERS OF THE GALA EVENING:
PATRONS:
13.5.2009 19:38:11
From left: Ondřej Černý, Director of the National Theatre Prague, Mrs. Eva Blahová , Opera Singer and Singing-Professor, Board Member of the National Theatre Prague and Board Member of the Bratislava Music Festivities, Member of the INC Trebbia and JUDr. František Mikeš, 1st Deputy of the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic
From left: Miss Komandera, VEXIKOM Ltd., Miro Smolák, Mrs. Anna Tkatchenko, Curator and Art Historian, Moscow, Prof. Igor Kalinauskas, Painter, Philosopher, Writer, Director, Singer and Ing. Viktor Komandera, VEXIKOM Ltd. Slovak Republic From left: Tomáš Hanák, Actor and Camilla Solomon, Fashion Designer
From left: Mrs. Tereza Podařilová, Coryphee of the National Theatre Prague, Mrs. Jitka Novotná, Moderator, Czech TV and Mrs. Daria Klimentová, first Soloist of the English National Theatre in London
From left: Mrs. Jarmila Grondolová, Czech International, Inc., Ing. Zdenek Grondol, Greyhound Company, Rudolf Želinský, Czech International, Inc. and Mrs. Ladislava Jurková, Czech International, Inc.
Mrs. Martina Svárovská and Leoš Svárovský, Conductor
From left: Vladimír Páral, Writer, JUDr. František Fiala, FATALIA Inc. with wife Eva
From left: JUDr. Blanka Čechová, Lawyer, Mrs. Alena Miro, Soprano, Soloist of the State Opera Prague, Mgr. Blanka Čechová, Lawyer, Osmany Laffita, Czech-Cuban Couturier
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From left: Ľubomír Bajaník, Moderator, Slovak TV, Alexey Archipovich Leonov, Russian Astronaut that donated to Trebbia the painting Aurora Plaris, and Asmat Shanava, Auction Acquirer of the Painting Aurora Plaris by A. A. Leonov
From left: Dr. Petr Vaculík, Managing Director, Duhan Scientific Consulting, Roland Leiszner, Businessman, Helena Krausová, PR and Production Manager, ConPro, Andreas Simek, Director, Private Wealth Management, Deutsche Bank (Switzerland) AG, Helena Leiszner-Kroftova, Fashion Designer and Monika Brichtova, Director, Rubicon Invest
From left: Mrs. Kateřina Englichová, Harpist, Mrs. Sylvia Hessová, Violin Player, Michal Mašek, Pianist and Mrs. Jitka Hosprová, Viola Player
13.5.2009 19:41:53
diplomatic evening
Opening of the
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia, Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Chairman of ODS and JUDr. Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia
New Slovak Embassy
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Jan Fischer, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and Mrs. Lívia Klausová, wife of the President of the Czech Republic, Václav Klaus
15.5.2009 14:20:09
From left: Juraj Nociar, Director General for European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Marcel Peško, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and H.E. František Dlhopolček, Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic
From left: H.E. Charles Fries, Ambassador of France and Ladislav Mravec, Director of Foreign Affairs Department, Office of the President From left: Victor Hernandez, Counsellor, Embassy of Argentina and H.E. Vicente Espeche, Ambassador of Argentina
From left: René Pavlovič, Director of Investment Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Pavol Sýkorčin, Director General for Economy and General Administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and Ján Frimmer, Investment Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic
Ľubomír Jahnátek, Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic
PhDr. Miro Smolák, MIRO Gallery and Mrs. Jozefína Škorupová, First Secretary Head of Consular Section, Embassy of the Slovak Republic
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
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From left: JUDr. Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia, H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia, Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Chairman of ODS, Karel Schwarzenberg, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and JUDr. Miroslav Lajčák, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic
15.5.2009 14:20:36
JUDr. Světlana Semrádová Zvolánková, Advocate and Jaromír Šlápota, Chairman of Czechoslovak Foreign Institute (ČSÚZ)
Mrs. Jolana Fogašová, Opera Singer
From left: Michal Lukeš, General Manager, National Museum of Prague, JUDr. Renáta Vesecká, Supreme Public Prosecutor, Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius, Ms. Emilli Čechová, Director, Foreign Relations Department, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and Prof. JUDr. Ján Kříž, Lawyer, University Professor, Partner of Kříž&Bělina
From left: Jozef Piga, Member of the Supervisory Board, Omnipol, Peter Palečka, Vice President, French-Czech Chamber of Commerce and Member of the Board/Corporate Secretary, Komerční Bank, Július Kudla, CEO, Euler Hermes, Peter Uhrík, Director, U.S. Steel Košice-Bohemia and JUDr. Miroslav Somol, Member of the Board and Deputy Managing Director, EGAP
From left: H.E. PhDr. Huo Yuzhen, Ambassador of China and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia
From left: PhDr. Miro Smolák, Owner of MIRO Gallery, Juraj Jakubisko, Film Director, Mrs. Deana Jakubisková Horváthová, CEO, Jakubisko Film and Ing. Miroslav Šlouf, Managing Director, Slavia Consulting
From left: H.E. Donal Hamill, Ambassador of Ireland and soon to become new Ambassador to Sweden and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia
Mrs. Helena Vondráčková, renowned Singer
From left: H.E. Valerian Cristea, Ambassador of Moldovia, Anatoly Agapov, Minister-Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in the Czech Republic, H.E. Anaberk Karashev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan and Milan Hovorka, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
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From left: Prof. JUDr. Ján Kříž, Lawyer, University Professor, Partner of Kříž&Bělina and Jiří Paroubek, Chairman of ČSSD
15.5.2009 14:21:15
culture event
Meditation
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Owner and Director of the MIRO Gallery and his opening speech
From left: Dr. Juan Ricardo Braun, Writer and President of the Journalists without Borders and JUDr. Jan Černý, Law Office Černý-Raupachová
(*1952)
Jiří Kornatovský Exhibition more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
Alena Miro, soprano, Soloist of the State Opera Prague with nephew Jan Pospíšil, Martina Svárovská with son Jakub and husband Leoš Svárovský, Conductor
PhDr. Anna Janištinová, Art Historian and Jiří Kornatovský, Artist
Jiří Kornatovský and PharmDr., PhD. Denisa Janečková, Collector of Art
MUDr. Martin Kuncek, General Director, B. Braun Avitum s.r.o. with wife
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H.E. Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Duaij, Ambassador of Kuwait, Ing. Ivo Gajdoš, Vice-President, Czech Manager Association and Business Director, ZTE Corporation, with daughter Adela and wife Dan Gajdoš, Chinese Academical Paintress
14.5.2009 11:42:11
An interview withh H.E. Jaakov Levy, Ambassador of the State of Israel too the Czech Republic
DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE H.E. Jaakov Levy was appointed Ambassador to the Czech Republic in April 2008. He was born in England and graduated in economics, political science and international relations. He entered Israeli Foreign Service in 1970 and served in New York, Rome and Boston. In 2000–2004 he held the post of the Israeli Ambassador to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva. Before coming to the Czech Republic, he worked as a diplomatic advisor to the Chairman of Kneset and as the Director of Department of Policy Planning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is married with two children.
Photo: Paul Pacey
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13.5.2009 20:04:47
Do you think the foreign policy line of the new Israeli government could suffer from lack of coherence and what changes in Israeli foreign policy can be expected? It is a little early to tell (thee first half of April) since the new government was barely sworn in. The government adopted general foreign policcy lines, whhich speak about “promoting the political process with our neighbours, promoting and acting towardss the peacee process with all our neighbours, and maintaiining Israel’s national interests”. The details of the policy regardingg the negotiations with Palestinians and Syrianss will be worked out within the new National Security Coouncil. Thee specifics of the foreign policy will be formulatted in the upcoming weeks, probably by the time the magaazine will appear. It is legitimate for any government, whhich replacees its competitor after the elections, to change its policy and to take a time to formulate it. Some of the early statements made by Mr. Lieberman were countering a bit the general policy line you just suggested. Do you expect any complications in this sense? No, the quote I gave you was from his speech. The journalists focused on one line from itt. The statement about continuity and that the governmennt will honour the undertakings and agreemennts made by its predecessors were present in his speeech, only the media focused on something else – on his reference to the Annapolis process. The Czech Republic is holding the EU Presidency and had to solve the crisis in Gaza at its beginning. What is the reflection of the Czech Presidency in Israel? The importance of the Czecch Presidenncy was reflected during the state visit of the Preesident of thhe State of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres to Prague. Issrael views with great favour and respect the policy of the Czech govvernment both on the bilateral and EU level. There are intensive economic and cultural relations, and the politiccal consultations continue all the time on very hhigh level. T he Czech foreign minister has visited Israel thhree times since December 2008 and the Czech Prime M Minister twiice this year. Our relations belong to the most ppositive wee have worldwide, and especially during the Czeech Presideency it is of great importance to us that such a ccountry leaads the EU. On the other hand, the (former) Czech foreign minister Karel Schwarzenberg suggested that the highlevel summit EU-Israel originally planned to take place during the Czech Presidency was cancelled. Some of the reasons given after the meeting of the EU foreign ministers were the situation after the crisis in Gaza and construction activity in some of the settlements near Jerusalem. How do you see this development? We saw the summit as a cculminationn of fifty years of very close cooperation and sstrong economic, scientific and cultural ties between thhe EU and Israel – there is a close cultural affinity, geogrraphic proximity and history, which binds Israel with Europee. The summ mit at the level of the heads of states and govvernments would only cap these efforts and we were looking forwarrd to it. Indeed, it does appear now that the summit wouldd not take place, although it is still not certaiin but if thhe summit takes place in six or eighteen monthhs from now w, that makes just a minor difference. The reasoons for postt poning the summit under the Czech Presideency have not been stated formally but we realize there aare several factors behind it, one of course the aftermath off the crisis in Gaza. It has not been resolved because the loong term “stt ate of calm” has not been renewed, primarily duue to the innternal difficulties in the Palestinian representation. Theree is also the economic crisis, which draws the attention of the Presidency and other burning issues. We realizee that some EU
member states, not the Czech Republic, mistakenly view the summit as a prize for Israel – prize they might not be willing to give after the Israeli elections. The Czech foreign minister also suggested there was a certain change in the foreign policy course towards Israel and that the EU embarked upon harder approach. How do you perceive such a change? Harder policy line would not, I believe, bring any positive results. Based on the experience we have had with the EU over decades of relationships, such an attitude did not contribute very much to the bilateral relations or to changes on the ground. Especially recently we have had much better relations with the EU, which involved close consultations behind closed doors. It did not necessarily make the news in the media but I feel it was much more productive. For example, when the Troika under the leadership of the Czech foreign minister went to Israel during the fights in Gaza and discussed with the Israeli leaders some specifics of the conflict in Gaza, the requests to open humanitarian corridors, to involve NGOs and humanitarian agencies in close monitoring of the situation and bringing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, were on the whole granted. This is a kind of positive dialogue in time of crisis. In the absence of crisis, we constantly discuss various issues like the shape of relations between Israel and its neighbours or the policy towards Iran. I feel it is much more productive than levelling accusations or criticism at each other. There were couple of statements voiced recently by the Mayor of Jerusalem on the indivisibility of the city based on argumentation from the Bible. East Jerusalem is regarded as one of the major problems by the EU, and also in relations to the summit, as well. What is your opinion on these statements? In the Israeli view there is no doubt regarding to whom Jerusalem belongs. That is natural because the bonds between the Jewish people, the State of Israel and Jerusalem run back for millennia. The city was built by King David and King Solomon, inhabited by the Jews and served as a religious and political centre for thousands of years. Only after the 1948 when Jordan occupied part of Jerusalem until 1967, labelled East Jerusalem, the issue came to the fore of international diplomacy. From the Israeli point of view and that involves any politician in Israel, Jerusalem should remain united, under the Israeli control and should be the capital of Israel. At the same time we recognize the sensitivities on the Palestinian side; the Arabs and Muslims also feel a strong affinity towards Jerusalem and that should be addressed in future negotiations. That what the Mayor said about Jerusalem should not affect the policy of the EU but that is not in our hands, of course. The EU countries do not recognize the situation after 1967, which is a completely different starting point for any discussion. Also the fact that East Jerusalem should be the capital of the future Palestinian state is stated in all agreements. Historical arguments of who was where and when, are, as it seems, not very helpful… The Israelis do not see Jerusalem as divided into to parts: West and East; they see it as one city. Building apartments in Jerusalem is not viewed as settlements by any political subject in Israel. That is something in which we have differed from the Europeans since 1967. In the same manner the Arabs build Jerusalem and they are not criticized by the Europeans. So, indeed, that has been a source of different opinions and can be resolved only when the issue of Jerusalem is settled in negotiations. Can you see any general rule which could be applied in order to solve the whole Israeli-Palestinian situation?
The rule should be following the path, which is in the documentation adopted so far and building further upon it. We have a roadmap, whhich was adopted in 2003. It has been agreed upon by Israel and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. It calls for very specific elements on both the Israeli and Paalestinian side. One of the paramount issues for Israel reggarding the West Bank is security and absence of terrorism m. The problem we have is on the Palestinian side where the partner as valid and respected as president Abbas is not in control of the major part of the Palestinian territory. Ham mas or Islamic Jihad are continuing the practice of terrorissm against Israel from Gaza. One of the key components frrom our point of view is the guarantee of security. Basedd on our experience with Gaza, our feeling is that if Israeel makes further concessions to the Palestinians in the West Bank, the phenomenon we face in Gaza – rockets firred at Israeli towns and villages, might come even closer to the towns and villages in Israel. Does the new foreign policy line on Iran of the president Obama administration raise concerns in Israel? The US is a close friend of Israel; it has been so under the leadership of both parties and all US presidents since the establishment of thee state of Israel. I am sure it will continue to be so under president Obama. We learned of his reviewed policy, we do not criticize it or challenge it. We feel that the review shhould be fixed in time and following the review a very cleaar policy towards Iran should be initiated. Every effort shouuld be made to stop the attempts to enrich Uranium to the level that allows the production of a nuclear device. The measures have been clearly stipulated in the UN Security Council resolutions – economic sanctions, financial sannctions, travel bans and other measures. So we hope thhat after the review is exhausted, nations of the world will jooin forces to prevent the Iranians from producing the weappons, which could also fall into hands of rogue states or terrorists. The increasing risk that the WMD’s could falll in hands of even less responsible parties should conccern all of us. You have been posted to Prague for one year already, what has been your major impression from the country so far? It is a unique experiennce to work and live in an area which is so central to our history. I studied Central Europe and especially Czechosloovakia between the wars at the university. Here I am, deccades later, practicing diplomacy in the once again indepeendent and democratic country, the Czech Republic. Whhen I travel, I see the places I learned about – the Suudetenland, the towns in which once there was a strong Jewish presence and now there is nobody because the population disappeared in the concentration camps. I meet with so many people who tell me their personal stories, which are interlinked with our history. So the history of the area accompanies me throughout my mission. I meet with Czech leaders, not just in the capital but all around the country. I see a great interest in Israel and stroong affinity to the Jewish people. I see very close cooperaation in the economic field and also in cultural ties, whicch bind us. Being here is a truly unique experience for ann Israeli ambassador, somehow different from the experience in other countries that do not have this rich commonn ground. My strategy is to go out and speak to people at different forums. We are actively involved in a variety of cultural endeavours – concerts, presentations of books, t heatre, movies. It seems to me that the Czechs like rich cultural experiences. By Věra Řiháčková I českou verzi nalezznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Magazinne III/ I 2009
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15.5.2009 15:47:49
An interview w with Hana Pavlištová, Managging Director of the Czech Infformationn Agency (ČIA)
INFORMATION: A KEY
COMPONENT OF BUSINESS SUCCESS Ing. Hana Pavlišštová graduated in mathematical models and information proocesses from the Unniversity of Economics in Berlin. Between the years 1978–1982 she worked as an analyyst and programmeer in SETUZA Ústí naad Labem and then for almost 23 years in the banking sector. Since May 2005 she has been managingg director of the Czeech Information Agency (Česká informační agenntura). In October 2006 she became a meember of the Czech-GGerman Chamber off Commerce and Industry. Since 1999 she also has been working as a volunteer in the Czzech Special Olymppics Movement, respponsible for PR and sponsoring. What brought you to studies of mathematical models and information processes in Berlin? As a young girl I wanted to study abroad. I spoke German very well, because it is the mother tongue of my mother and grandmother. Therefore I decided to study in a German speaking region. T here were limited fields of studies that I couldd have chosen in the 1980s and this was one of them. Moreover, I always liked mathematicss. Were your expectations fulfilled? Definitely. This field of study abroad was at a higher level thann in Prague. I also improved my knowledge of expert terminology in a foreign language. I devoted the first third of my career to this field and I have drawn from it up to now. I learned well to analyze processes and not to overlook all the connections. I use logical thinking well in any work I do. Why did you decide to leave the banking sector after over 20 years and start working at CIA? The year 2005 was crucial for me. After 20 years in the baanking sector I did not feel I could develop furtther. As a board of directors’ member I createdd banking strategies. I was very well aware of the importance of independent and exclusivee information for decisionmaking. I used CIA A’s news service daily thanks to which I had an information advantage with minimal time requuirements. When I received the offer to managge CIA, I did not hesitate for very long. What were your objectives? It is necessary to mention that the Czech Information Agenccy has been on the market for over 11 years. It is a private press agency focussing on news from the Czech economy. At the time I came too the agency, nobody knew
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Photo: Vladimír Weiss
Leadders Magazine III/2009
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much about it. So my m main task was to create a respected press ageency whose products would be known on thhe Czech andd foreign markets. We succeededd in this. We concentrated on the developm ment of our baasic product – manager inform mation profiless. All the other secondary activit ies that were very expensive we cancelled. Today I am very glad when I meet our satisfiied clients whho themselves promote our prodducts and recoommend them to other new pottential clients. On the whole, we have over ten thousandd active readers nowadays. You mentioned your basic product – manager information profiles. What information do they contain? In a succinct and traansparent form mat, our information profiles proovide the mosst important information from various fieldss of the Czech economy (e.g., energy, financees, automotive, etc.). Our editorrial team conssisting of 10 editors contributes to these proff iles, together with the informaation profiles editorial team, using our own ecconomic newss service and other relevant public resources. We send manager profiles electronically to thhe email addresses of our clientss. We issue profiles on a daily or weekly basis. TThe client mayy choose the version that suits theeir needs the best. The Czech AM morninng news digesst, which offers the most importtant informatiion from the economy, business and politics from the past 24 hours, is the m most popular product. The online agency newss service form ms an inseparable part of our offferings. We puublish all of our news products inn three languaages – in Czech, as well as in Engllish and Germaan. What are the other products? As I have already m mentioned ourr editors publish 50–60 articles for the econoomic online news daily. CIA participates in a project of several press agenccies from Cenntral and Eastern Europe, providding econom mic news from this region undeer the leadership of Austrian APA. We offer a news profile of the most important events inn the region’s economy and business. This proofile is publishhed only in English. Another Euroopean projectt that we have carried out was thee launch of a new news portal, www.webreporteer.cz, offering publishing of paid PR news to coompanies. Where do you get your information? Within our economic editorial team m of ten, every editor specializess on one areea which he follows regularly. Theey have contaacts with companies in their given area. They go to press conferences and are abble to formulate questions to companies in a way to reallyy find out something new. Our editorial team creates unique news that represents over half the content of our profiles. Thesse items are designed
for our customers and represent a significant informatioon advantage for them m, as they are not available from any public souurces. Furthermore we monitor access sible sources such as dailies, professional magazines and online new ws servers. On the whole, we use approximateely 300 resources. Wee also receive hundreds of press releases from m PR agencies or PR departments of companiess every day. Who is your target client? Our targget client is middle andd top management whoo need succinct summaaries of essential current information about their area in a time-saaving format. We focus on managers not only inn the Czech Republic, buut also abroad. Our manager news profiles bringg the most new informatioon about events into the relevant markets every day. They are thuss used not only for gettingg information, but alsoo as a source of new business potential for ourr clients’ companies. What are your future plans? We wannt to develop further. We respond to the requirrements of the market as well as our clients annd create new producc ts. Lately we have beenn presenting our new product, transportation.. It is a weekly managger profile focusing onn all significant typess of transport providing information about the development of the enntire sector, including construction, maintenance, modernisation, logistics, purchasing, introduction of new technologies, fuel, and events and happenings in major companiees across the industry. You have worked as a volunteer for the Czech Special Olympics Movement (CSOM) for 10 years. What brought you to it? Ten yeaars ago, in the bank where I was employed, we looked for a project that we could support within the context of social responsibility. I mapped out the situattion where we could be useful. I have been friends with Vlastimil Harapes for a long time. He is an honorary presidentt of CSOM and broughht me into it. I was imm mediately fascinated forr the first time how manyy volunteers work for Special Olympics. The problem is that these great people do not taalk about their job. I regretted that people inn the Czech Republic do not know much aboout the movement. So I decided to get personallyy involved in it. I am reesponsible primarily for raising the publicity of the movement. I am also trying to seek out and convince sponsors, as our movement is still fighting with a lack of finances for organisingg events. It is very difficcult, even in spite of thee fact that the patronesss of the movement is the first lady Livie Klauusová. Just for a compparison: when the globaal Special Olympics Winter Games were takinng place in Idaho this Feebruary, there were 50,0 000 spectators at the opening. The
Česká informační agentura, s.r.o. Klimentská 52, 110 00 Praha 1 E: akce@cianews.cz
T: +420 224 800 977 W: http://www.cianews.cz http://www.webreporter.cz
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games were attended persoonally by US VicePresident Joe Biden. At nattional events our sportsmen and sportswom men are usually cheered only by their clossest friends and relatives. When I started to work for Special Olympics I did not think thatt promotion would be so difficult in the Czech Republic. However, I am glad when I manage to contribute to making CSOM visible; most recently, we had a spot broadcast about thhe movement on Czech Television. When was the movement launched in the Czech Republic and what are its aims? The Special Olympics proggramme has been developing in the Czech Republic since 1990. The aim of the CSOM is to enable as many people with mental handicaps as possible to do sports regularly and participate in sporting competition, regardless of thheir absolute performance. The Special Olym mpics programme for mentally handicapped peersons was established in the USA in the latte 1960s by Ms. Eunice Kennedy-Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy. The Czech Special Olympics Movement is the official accredited national partner of Special Olympics Inc. How many sports people does the Czech movement have? Nowadays our movement associates about 144 sports clubs with around 3,000 mentally handicapped sports people from around the Czech Republic. What sports events do you cover? At the beginning of Novem mber we organize a table tennis tournament that traditionally takes place in Dvůr Králové. Next year the Czech Special Olympics Movement will celebrate its 20th anniversary. We want to celebrate it by having national games in Prague. We will see if we manage to get media interest and also enough money to be able to organize this event. We are also preparing for the world summer games in Athens that will be held in 2011. Besides managing CIA and the work for CSOM you are also member of the board of directors of the Czech-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Do you have time to relax? I love music, mainly classsical. It is for me absolute relaxation. I like going to concerts, to theatre for opera or ballet. Thhese are activities for which I have to regularly find time. I also like learning something new, so I devote myself to studying foreign languages. Italian is related to opera and I like improvinng my English the best during travelling to get to know new countries and people. By Zuzzana Kasáková I českou verzi naleznete na www w.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Magazine III/ I 20009
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networking/charity
LIONS CLUB
Guest of Honor: Ing. Evžen Tošenovský, (former Governor of Moravian-Silesian Region)
From left: Ing. Evžen Tošenovský, former Governor of Moravian-Silesian Region and Ing. Josef Čekal, President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador
Prague Bohemia Ambassador at Restaurant Pelikan
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE PLM_0903_events___3.indd 66
From left: Prof. MUDr. Aleksi Šedo, Vice Dean of I. Medical Faculty, UK, MUDr. Václav Poláček, CSc., Plastic Surgeon and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Advocate, Past President and Secretary of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador
14.5.2009 16:24:51
From left: Ing. Evžen Tošenovský, former Governor of MoravianSilesian Region and RNDr. Pavel Kalášek, Consultant
From left: Oldřich Hořák, Owner of the Hotel Bílá Růže in Poděbrady, Ing. Jaromír Kaulfus, Businessman, Antonín Felix Slováček, Conductor and PhDr. Oldřich Vejvoda, Journalist MUDr. Jiří Pekárek, President of Czech Dental Chamber
From left: Ing. Jiří Málek, Cash-keeper, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Pavel Barák, Economist, Petr Laštovka, Businessman and Ing. Jiří Opichal, CEO, Allimex Trading s.r.o.
From left: JUDr. Jaroslav Novotný, Advocate, Membership Chairperson, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Ing. Jaroslav Hořák, Businessman From left: Ing. Tomáš Jadrníček, Project Maker, PhDr. Ladislav Říha – Owner of CK RI-Tours and Past President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Ladislav Vaško, Commercial Director and Ing. Petr Kučera, CSc., Lay Assessor in a Field of Building
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
PLM_0903_events___3.indd 67
From left: Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine, Ing. Evžen Tošenovský, former Governor of Moravian-Silesian Region, PhDr. Oldřich Vejvoda, Journalist, Ing. Jaroslav Hořák, Businessman and Oldřich Hořák, Owner of the Hotel Bílá Růže in Poděbrady
14.5.2009 16:25:30
sport event
The christening ceremony of the SYNOT TIP ARENA, from left: Jiří Hrabovský, Spokesperson, SYNOT Holding and Managing Partner of Ewing Public Relations, s.r.o., Ing. Zdeněk Brázdil, MBA, Director of the Fixed Odds Betting Division, SYNOT TIP, a.s., Mrs. Kristýna Svobodová, Marketing Director, E Side Property Limited and Petr Mikoška, Director of the Lottery and Games Division, SYNOT TIP a.s.
SYNOT TIP ARENA
E Side Property Limited entered a partnership on April 1st, 2009 with SYNOT TIP. Representatives from SYNOT TIP and E Side Property Limited, the operator of the multifunctional stadium, made the decision to name the stadium SYNOT TIP ARENA. As one of the leaders on the betting market, SYNOT TIP obtained the marketing rights to use the site, which now belongs amongst the most interesting places of its kind in the Czech Republic not only as a football stadium, but as an attractive venue for concerts and social events. Before the 25th round of the Gambrinus League, the home stadium for the SK Slavia Praha football club was christened the SYNOT TIP ARENA.
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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
The SYNOT TIP ARENA multifunctional stadium
14.5.2009 16:26:26
From left: Petr Mikoška, Director of the Lottery and Games Division, SYNOT TIP a.s. and Mgr. Petr Doležal, General Director and Member of the Board, SK Slavia Praha – fotbal a.s.
A group of Slavia fans
Interiors of the SYNOT TIP Sport Bar
The christening ceremony of SYNOT TIP ARENA
Interiors of the SYNOT TIP Sport Bar
The SYNOT TIP Sport Bar in the SYNOT TIP ARENA
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18.5.2009 13:36:25
global perspectives
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
Jan Muehlfeit Chairman Europe Microsoft Corporation
70 Photo: Paul Pacey
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13.5.2009 20:02:50
WHERE HAVE ALL When I speak at various conferences, despite of what the particular topic might be, the follow-up debate often turns to the topic of the media and their role in the modern world. Not surprisingly – the media in the 21st century simply play a huge role in everyone’s daily life and their both positive and negative impact might be and often is overwhelming. That is why I believe it is worth to take a closer look at how the media are evolving, especially in the wake of the new communication channels that have changed the behavior of their read re ader erss so ddra rama matitica calllly. y. A recent research showed that the amount of information that each of us is daily exposed to thru all different media platforms such as newspapers, advertising, internet, city lights and many other ways of one-to-many or one-to-one communication equals to the amount of information that an individual in the 15th century has been exposed to during his or her entire life. Therefore the media business has quite logically turned into a real battle for attention. This however also meant that the media executives, in order to grab this desired attention,, often needed to move from a ppure business with facts to a business with emotions. That may have been an inevitable development of the 20th century and as I prefer to look into the future, I would rather think about where this will go next; meet the net generation. Today’s young generation consumes the information flow and the media in a very different way compared to their parents or grandparents. Whatt some callll “G “Generatition F” F” – th the Facebbookk Generation, will at a minimum expect the social environment of work to reflect the social context of the Web. They will want to contribute the content in the public domain and therefore will demand way more interactivity compared to passive broadcasts. This should hopefully bring some more positive evolution into the media space, yet I am afraid it may only partially address what I believe is today’s biggest media challenge – a lack of positive stories. When I browse the internet news, watch TV or rrea eadd my ffav avor orititee ma maga gazi zine ness an andd ne news wspa pape pers rs, I of ofte tenn wo wond nder er m mys ysel elff wh whyy th ther eree is ssuc uchh a de dema mand nd for negative stories, which especially in the tough times like the current economical crisis are making things sound and look even worse? In fact I believe that the current crisis is caused from about 60% by the slower economical performance itself, but from the remaining 40% by both the international and national media making it run like a self fulfilling bad news engine. If you put that into a context,
you realize how silly that is, because should we believe the news and the facts that this crisis will last for long, then one of the very first expenditures which the companies will cut will be their advertising budgets – immediately affecting the media themselves… Anyway, so why do journalists produce such an overwhelming majority of negative stories? Part of it I am sure goes down to the roots of human psychology. The problem is that most people don’t compare with themselves and their living stan st anda dard rdss wi with th tthe heirir oown wn ccou oupl plee of yyea ears rs aago go,, bu butt rather with the others. The researchers at the Harvard University have made an interesting experiment. They’ve given a set of individuals two simple questions: either you get a pay rise of ‘100’ knowing that your colleague is getting a rise of ‘150’ or alternatively neither of you gets any rise at all. Imagine that 80% of respondents have chosen the second option – neither of them gets a rise at all. Another interesting research made by Gallup Institute showed that again circa 80% of people don’t feel that they’re using their talent properly and do not feel like havingg a job j that would be fullyy utilizing their strengths. Put the two together and you start to see where the roots of the problem might be. I personally believe that a shift of such attitudes is doable and possible, but would require quite a revolutionary approach to reform our education systems, which would really have start to focus on talent development and build on each individual’s strengths rather than endlessly memoriiziingg hhunddreds d off pages g off texts t andd facts. t Particularly in the Czech Republic, this issue is further strengthen and multiplied by several drivers. First of them in my opinion is the so called “Bila hora” syndrome – when following the major Czech defeat by the Imperial army in 1620, the king Fridrich has fled the country and significant parts of the Czech elite have been either executed or forced into exile – it is since the Battle at Bila hora that Czechs look at successful people and success overall with skepticism and suspicion. The other challenge is who the Czech media choo ch oose se ttoo po port rtra rayy as tthe he nnat atio iona nall el elitites es w whe henn in fact fa ct tthe heyy of ofte tenn pi pick ck ppse seud udoo ce cele lebr brititie iess, w win inne ners rs of various TV contests or reality shows rather than showing the nation some real Czech “heroes” like successful young scientists or artists. They may not receive a Nobel Prize next year, but might be working on something really worth or interesting, something that will positively change and impact either life in this country or even on our entire beautiful planet. Finally it’s the culture of
the domestic politics in the Czech Republic, which unfortunately over the past two decades has evolved into an environment lacking a dialogue and positive differentiation. Unfortunately the way many of the politicians think is that anyone who has a different opinion should immediately be marked as an enemy and looked on that way. So when you put all of these pieces of puzzle together, you may wonder if at the end of the day there is a demand for good news at all. I am a lifetime optimist and hence I am convinced there is. In ffac actt I be beliliev evee th thee ec econ onom omic ical al ccririsi siss ma make kess th this is demand even bigger as people will eventually get fed up and tired of all the negative stories and news that they are being served as a 24 x 7 diet today. If you take just a little bit of a long-term view, majority of what you see is good news. One great example is China where 10 years ago 800 million people lived in poverty; well, that number has by now gone down by incredible 75% in a single decade! On the other hand the 500 world’s top billionaires have accumulated the same wealth as the 3 billion world’s poorest p p , half of the human population. people, p p So there is indeed space for a lot more economical development should the famous Lorenz curve (representing the income and wealth distribution compared to number of households in the world) get somewhat closer to the parity. When it comes to the media themselves, I am sure that already happening social, economical and eventually political rise of the already mentioned “Generation F” will also l help l to create t more ddemandd for positi itive sttories as they are much less consumer-focused as oppose to their “baby boomers” parents. Last but not the least I am sure that in the upcoming years will see an unprecedented increase in a role that the Asian economies will play in the global marketplace and that in fact may help too given that Asian philosophies are all positively oriented. However this will all take some time to make a positive impact on the news headlines and so meanwhile, to paraphrase Pete Seeger, a key figure in the mid-20th century American folk musi mu sicc re revi viva vall, we we sh shou ould ld be be as aski king ng the the med media ia:: wher wh eree ha have ve aallll the the ggoo oodd ne news ws ggon one? e? Jan Muehlfeit Chairman Europe Microsoft Corporation
českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
The Energy-Climate Crisis is Your Business Part VIII: Let the Sun Shine–Limitless Energy, Cheaper Than You Think1 a semiconductor material such as silicon, and thermal systems, wherein the sun’s rays are used to create high-temperature steam that drives a turbine to generate electricity. Photovoltaic Systems There are three challenges with photovoltaic systems. First, there is a large complex existing power infrastructure that companies are reluctant to replace because of their large invested capital. Second, sunshine does not reach the entire surface of the earth 24 hours a day 365 days a year, and therefore a cost-effective means of storing solar energy is necessary if it is to play a major role in continuous power generation. Some means of capturing and saving intermittent solar energy is imperative, so that energy is available on demand when the sun is not shining, e.g. in the evening. Third, although prices have fallen dramatically, traditional silicon photovoltaic James A. Cusumano, PhD cells previously have not been cheap enough to compete with conventional energy sources, such as coal, oil, and gas. “Let the sun shine in” – The Age of Aquarius – Fifth The first issue of sunk capital is as much a political one Dimension, 1969 as it is economic. However, with the rapidly decreasing cost for Each year, humanity uses 15 trillion watts of energy to the manufacture of silicon and other types of photovoltaic cells, power its progress. That’s equivalent to the output of about and with any kind of tax or trading price on carbon emissions, 15,000 large power plants. Every hour of every day, the sun this issue should disappear, strictly on economic grounds. radiates more energy than all humanity uses in an entire year. The second issue of energy storage is the same challenge If only 10 % of the impinging solar energy were converted to facing wind power and was addressed in Part VII of this seelectricity, a square of land, just 100 miles on a side could ries2. Several technologies have been developed to address this contain enough photovoltaic cells to supply the entire U.S. issue. They include pressurizing air and storing it underground, with its electricity needs – and it would be pollution- and carwith subsequent release through power generating turbines, bon-free. Yet today the total global solar capacity is only about when demand requires energy; pumping water uphill and dis7 gigawatts – equivalent to about 7 nuclear plants – while coal charging it through turbine generators during high demand pesupplies more than 1000 gigawatts of electricity, worldwide. riods; super-capacitors for electrical storage and discharge Why is that? when extra power is required; high-power flywheels that store To understand the challenges associated with solar energy energy mechanically for conversion back to electricity; highand how they are being addressed, it is convenient to divide capacity lithium batteries; flow batteries that use molten salt solar energy into two categories, photovoltaic systems, where as the electrical source; and hydrogen production via water electricity is generated directly by sun rays impinging on electrolysis and conversion of the hydrogen to electricity when needed via a fuel cell. Perhaps the Figure 1: Air Injection System for Storing Solar Energy (Reference 8) most promising technology is air storage as shown in Figure 1. By far the biggest challenge has been the third issue, i.e. the cost to manufacture high-efficiency photovoltaic cells. There are three approaches being developed to lower the cost of photovoltaic cell manufacture. The first is increasing the efficiency of crystalline silicon cells, while lowering the manufacturing cost by investing in large scale production lines. The second is via recently-developed technologies that can produce silicon or other cells cheaply in large quantities. The third approach is by concentrating the highest level of efficiency on to the smallest possible
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silicon cells and then interfacing these cells with optical lenses that concentrate the sunlight, multiplying its intensity 500–1000 times. Solar energy is priced on a per peak-watt basis, i.e. the maximum wattage output of a cell during peak periods of sunshine. In 2007, the peak-watt price was $4. Most industry analysts have generally projected that with the combined advantage of an energy storage system and a price per peakwatt of $1, solar-generated electricity can compete with fossil fuel generated electricity, globally. Most next generation photovoltaic systems are moving away from single crystal silicon, which must be so pure that there is not more than one impurity atom per trillion atoms Figure 2: Decreasing Cost Per Watt of Solar Cells (Ref. 6)
of silicon. An exception to this is Innovalight, in Santa Clara, California3. Using nanotechnology – engineering materials on the atomic scale – Innovalight has reduced the amount of silicon required per watt of electricity from 15 grams for a conventional cell to 0.04 grams – a factor of nearly 400 times. This system also allows for high throughput manufacturing which cuts the cost by another 10 times compared to conventional photovoltaic cells. Another advantage of Innovalight’s technology is that by controlling the size of the silicon particles that are cast as a film, it is possible to tune into the entire wavelength spectrum of sunlight. This means increased efficiency and higher energy output. By the end of 2009, the company aims to produce enough flexible solar material to generate 100 megawatts of electricity at the amazingly low cost of 30 cents per watt. While the theoretical efficiency limit for crystalline silicon is 33%, it appears that the Innovalight technology could achieve 44%, and as high as 68 % with an optical concentrator. First Solar is another innovator in photovoltaic systems 4. The company has plants in Ohio, Germany and Malaysia and can produce in 2½ hours, glass photovoltaic modules that are 2 feet wide and 4 feet long, having an efficiency of 9 %. These modules sold in 2007 for $2 per watt, but improvements are driving the selling price to less than $1 per watt. The company has long-term contracts with European and Canadian companies to supply modules that can generate more than 795 megawatts, i.e. nearly eight times the total shipped in 2006 from every solar factory in the U.S.
Leaders Magazine III/2009
14.5.2009 9:59:57
TO BE CONTINUED... A third approach is being taken by Energy Innovations 5. This company is concentrating the energy of the sun. Our sun radiates energy very diffusely, 1000 watts per square meter of the earth’s surface, whereas a simple hair dryer radiates 1,000 watts per square inch. Thus the sun is 16 times more diffuse than a common hair dryer. To power a typical large city such as San Francisco requires about 1 gigawatt of electricity. Using conventional photovoltaic cells would re-quire 4 square miles of silicon. Energy Innovations’ concentrator technology reduces this requirement by a factor of 800. As shown in Figure 2, all of this effort has led to a marked decrease in the cost for producing photovoltaic solar cells6. Solar Thermal Systems Solar thermal systems, often called concentrated solar power (CSP), uses huge arrays of mirrors to focus sunlight on a boiler to produce high-temperature steam to run a conventional turbine generator and produce electricity. There are
TECHNOLOGY PHOTOVOLTAICS
COMPRESSED-AIR ENERGY STORAGE (with photovoltaic electricity) CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER
DC TRANSMISSION
2007
2050
10 sq milies 10 %
30,000 sq miles 14 %
Installed cost Electricity price Total capacity
$4/W 16c/kWh c/ 0.5 GW
$1.20/W 5c/kWh 2,940 GW
Volume Installed cost Electricity price Total capacity
0 $5.80/W 20c/kWh c/ 0.1 GW
535 billion cu ft $3.90/W 9c/kWh c/ 558 GW
Coordination of site development with natural gas industry Economies of scale; decreasing photovoltaic electricity prices Follows from lower installed cost National energy plan
Land area Lolar-to-electric efficiency Installed cost Electricity price Total capacity
10 sq miles 13 % $5.30/W 18c/kWh c/ 0,5 GW
16,000 sq miles 17 % $3,70/W 9c/kWh c/ 558 GW
Policies to develop large public land areas Fluids that transfer heat more effectively Single-tank thermal storage systems; economies of scale Follows from lower installed cost National energy plan
Length
500 miles
100,000– 500,000 miles
New high-voltage DC grid from Southwest to rest of country
CRITICAL FACTOR Land area Thin-film module efficiency
The advantage of CSP systems is that it is easier to store heat than electricity, and in being able to do so for just 16 hours, it has been estimated that more than 90 % of current U.S. power demand could be met at prices competitive with fossil fuel systems. Major utility companies are investing heavily in this area. Pacific Gas and Electric Company signed a 25-year arrangement with Solel Solar Systems of Israel to buy power from a 553 megawatt solar thermal plant Solel is building in California’s Mojave Desert. The plant will supply 400,000 homes when completed in 20118. Solar Grand Plan To see how advanced and competitive solar technologies have become, consider the results of a detailed analysis and plan recently proposed for the U.S.9. By 2050, this approach cuts foreign oil dependence to zero; it significantly eases global tensions and lowers military costs; it provides a massive trade deficit reduction; it slashes greenhouse gas emissions to 62 % below 2005 levels; and it increases domestic jobs significantly – all based on essentially available technology. A summary of this plan and its goals are shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively. The consequence of this plan is that by 2050, there is a massive switch from coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power plants to solar power, wherein 69 % of the U.S.’s electricity and 35 % of its total energy are supplied by clean carbon-free solar energy. This strategy would eliminate 300 large coal-fired power plants and 300 large natural gas several types of CSP systems; Parabolic Mirrors that heat plants and all of the fuel they consume. This requires that tubes containing a heat-transfer fluid; Power Towers wherein 46,000 square miles of government-owned land in the a tower containing a heat-transfer fluid is surrounded by hunSouthwest be converted to solar energy generation. About dreds of mirrors that individually track the sun; Dish-Stirling 30,000 square miles would be used for photovoltaic arrays, systems, which look like a field of giant sunflowers, each and 16,000 square miles for thermal solar systems. As shown dish being a circular array of mirrors focusing the suns rays on in Figure 1, excess day-time energy would be stored as coma Stirling heat engine, invented 200 years ago by Scotsman, pressed air in underground caverns to be tapped during nightRobert Stirling; and a Linear Fresnel system, wherein the solar time hours. Compressed-air energy sources have been operatconcentrator is a series of independently tracking mirrors ing reliably in Huntforf, Germany, since 1978, and in McIntosh, that together approximate the shape of a huge trough mirror7. Alabama, since 1991. Figure 5: U.S. Grand Solar Plan – Technologies and Requirements (Reference 9) This plan also requires that SUN TRAPS a high-voltage, direct-current A big enough area of photovoltaic cells could supply all the electricity for the most energy-hungry country power transmission line be built on Earth – or even meet the whole world’s energy needs from the Southwest to major distribution areas such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta. DC lines are cheaper to build than AC lines and also suffer much less energy losses during transmission of the electricity. This plan requires $420 billion of subsidy by the U.S. government, but the payback is much great than this number. From now until 2020, the government would provide guaranteed 30-year loans, and agree to purchase power and provide Figure 4: U.S. Grand Solar Plan – Fuel Consumption and GG Generation (Reference 9)
ADVANCES NEEDED Policies to develop large public land areas More transparent materials to improve light transmission; more densely doped layers to increase voltage; larger modules to reduce inactive area Improvements in module efficiency; gains from volume production Follows from lower installed cost National energy plan built around solar power
price-support subsidies. However, this energy plan would eliminate $300 billion per year of foreign oil with crude oil priced at just $60. This plan would be self-sufficient after 2050 and would not require further subsidies. By 2100, with a modest addition of wind energy, geothermal, and biomass fuels, 100 % of all U.S. electricity and 90 % of its total energy use would be supplied by the sun and other carbon-free sources. Energy-related carbon emissions could be reduced to 92 % below 2005 levels. The $420 billion could be generated by a modest 0.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) tax. Since electricity in the U.S. today sells for 6–10 cents per kWh, adding 0.5 cents seems reasonable. This plan is targeted at the U.S., but as shown in Figure 5, essentially all of the world’s energy requirements could be supplied by the sun. It interesting that the most desirable locations for situating solar plants are in the developing world10. I am not suggesting that the world move immediately to a total solar world, but it is clear that solar energy could play a leading role in our global energy future. The technologies are available. All that is necessary is the will. James A. Cusumano, PhD 1
Parts I and II of this series outline the Global Energy Security and Climate Change issues, respectively; Part III provides a summary of a workable solution; Part IV presents an analysis of nuclear power; Parts V and VI describes the role of vehicular transportation with a focus on hybrid, electric and fuel-cell cars; and Part VII details the potential of wind power. See www.LeadersMagazine.Cz, volumes 2, 3, 4, 5, 2008 and 1, 2 2009. 2 Ibid, Volume 5, 2008. 3 Fred Krupp and Miriam Horn, “Earth: The Sequel,” W. W. Norton & Company, New York, 2008, p. 21. 4 Ibid, p. 31. 5 Ibid, p. 32. 6 Robert F. Service, “Can Upstarts Top Silicon?” Science, February 8, 2008, p. 718. 7 Susan Moran and J. Thomas McKinnon, “Hot Times for Solar Energy,” World Watch Magazine, March/April 2008, p. 29. 8 Peter Fairley, “Storing Solar Power Efficiently,” Technology Review, September 27, 2007. 9 Ken Zweibel, James Mason, and Vasilis Fthenakis, “Solar Grand Plan,” Scientific American, January 2008, pp. 48–57. 10 Bennett Daviss, “Our Solar Future,” NewScientist, December 8, 2007, p. 37.
About the Author: James A. Cusumano is Chairman and owner of Chateau Mcely (www.ChateauMcely.Com), chosen in 2007 by the European Union as the only “Green” 5-star luxury hotel in Central and Eastern Europe and in 2008 by the World Travel Awards as the Leading Green Hotel in the World. He is a former Research Director for Exxon, and subsequently founded two public companies in Silicon Valley, one in clean power generation, the other in pharmaceuticals manufacture via environmentally-benign, low-cost, catalytic technologies. While he was Chairman and CEO, the latter – Catalytica Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – grew in less than 5 years, to a $1 billion enterprise with 2,000 employees. He is co-author of “Freedom from Mid-East Oil,” recently released by World Business Academy Press (www.WorldBusiness.Org) and can be reached at Jim@ChateauMcely.Com.
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prague city hall
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
MUDr. Pavel BĂŠm, Lord Mayor of the City of Prague
Prague Spring Festival Opening
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Antoni Wit, Musical Director and Conductor of the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and the evening Conductor of Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
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From left: Mrs. Helena Kroftová-Leisztner, Design Living Art, Mrs. Lívia Klausová, wife of the President of the Czech Republic and Mrs. Eliška Hašková Coolidge, Coolidge Counsulting Services
Jiří Weigl, Head of the President Office of the Czech Republic
From left: Jindřich Forejt, Director of Protocol, Office of the President of the Czech Republic and H.E. SeongYong Cho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
From left: Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1, Roman Bělor, Director of the Prague Spring International Festival and his wife
Václav Kasík, General Director of the Czech Radio From left: Ing. Jiří Škorvaga, CSc., Member of the Board and Deputy General Manager of Česká spořitelna, a.s. with wife Johana and Milan Hašer, Česká spořitelna, a.s. with daughter
From left: JUDr. Karel Muzikář, Jr., Managing Partner Weil, Gotshal&Manges, v.o.s., Mrs. Bémová, wife of the Lord Mayor of the City of Prague with son and Mrs. Marie Kousalíková, Deputy Mayor of Prague City Hall with husband
On the 12th of May, Lord Mayor of Prague, MUDr. Pavel Bém officially opened the 64th annual International Music Festival called ‚Prague Spring‘. The Capital City of Prague is its traditional media and financial partner. For decades, Prague Spring meant not only a prestigious music show, but also a very important social and cultural event which takes place under the auspices of many famous personalities from Czech cultural and political spheres. Also Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and a regular visitor 75 of Prague Spring has taken this world famous festival under his patronage.
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From left: Josef Suk, legendary Violinist with wife, H.E. Chikahito Harada, Ambassador of Japan with wife and Miloš Janů
JUDr. František Mikeš, 1. Deputy Minister of Culture, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and Prof. Eva Blahová, Opera Singer
JUDr. František Mikeš, 1. Deputy Minister of Culture, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Milan Richter, Counselor, Prague City Hall, and Tatiana Kuchařová, Miss World 2006
From left: Jiří Bělohlávek, President of the Prague Spring International Festival and Josef Suk, legendary Violinist
Vladimír Vurm, Participations/ Senior Manager RWE Transgas, a.s. with daughter Zuzana
From left: Miloš Janů and Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine
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From left: Antoni Wit, Conductor of the evening, Musical Director and Conductor of the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic with wife Lívia
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From left: Miroslav Stehlík, Managing Director General Intendant of the Brno International Music Festival ARS, spol. s.r.o., Jiří Bělohlávek, President of the Prague Spring International Festival, Zdenka Kachlová and Jan Simon, Executive Director of the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
From left: MUDr. Pavel Bém, Lord Mayor of the City of Prague and Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1 From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Jiří Stivín, legendary Musician
From left: Prof. JUDr. Jan Kříž, CSc., Law Office Kříž and Bělina with daughter Veronika and Heinz Knotzer, Member of the Managing Board and Deputy Chief, Executive Officer, Česká spořitelna
From left: Gernot Mittendorfer, Chairman of the Managing Board and CEO, Česká spořitelna, a.s., with wife
From left: Dr. Hans Krüger, Mayor Gemeinde Anif, MUDr. Pavel Bém, Lord Mayor of the City of Prague and Gernot Mittendorfer, Chairman of the Managing Board and CEO, Česká spořitelna, a.s.
From left: Přemysl Sobotka, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic, Roman Bělor, Director of the Prague Spring International Festival and Jiří Bělohlávek, President of the Prague Spring International Festival
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event
MAYOR RICHARD M. DALEY WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL CITY LEADERS TO FIRST-EVER GLOBAL CITIES FORUM to discuss global economic crisis and critical issues facing urban cities today. Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago Sister Cities International welcomed mayors and municipal leaders from around the world for the first-ever Chicago Global Cities Forum, held at the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Conference Center at April 27–29.
From left: Joe Biden, Vice President of the United States, Tomáš Chalupa Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman of Chicago Sister City Prague, Czech Republic and Richard M. Daley, Mayor, Chicago, U.S.A.
CHICAGO GLOBAL CITIES FORUM The 2009 Forum opened on Monday, April 27, with the Richard J. Daley Urban Forum, a public event, and will be followed by two days of private discussion focused on pathways to economic recovery, urban planning and human capital initiatives. During this three-day summit, visiting municipal leaders will present their city’s own innovative strategies and exchange ideas and “best practices” on a number of topics. Nearly 30 mayors and municipal leaders are scheduled to attend the Forum including those from Moscow, Paris, Dubai, Bangkok, Beijing, Bogotá, Reykjavik, Athens and Prague. “As mayors and leaders of municipal government, we share the same challenges. To secure our individual city’s economic futures, we must remain committed to fully participating in the global economy and continue to overcome those challenges which have become greater in recent months,” Daley said.
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From left: Tomáš Chalupa, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Prague, Czech Republic (Chicago Sister City), Dani Swisa, City Manager, Petach Tikva, Israel (Chicago Sister City), Pierre Schapira, Deputy Mayor, Paris, France (Chicago Sister City) and Takajuki Toriyama, Executive Director, City of Osaka Office in Chicago (Chicago Sister City)
18.5.2009 11:19:15
Mrs. Judith Pinedo Florés, Mayor, Cartagena, Columbia and Mohamed Sajid, Mayor of Chicago Sister City Casablanca, behind from left: Dani Swisa, City Manager, Petach Tikva, Israel (Chicago Sister City) and Tomáš Chalupa, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman of Chicago Sister City Prague, the Czech Republic
Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago, U.S.A. and Mayor Samuel Moredo Rojas, Bogotá, Columbia Mrs. Radmila Hrustanovič, Vice Mayor of Chicago Sister City Belgrade, Serbia
From left: Joe Biden, Vice President of the United States, Nazim Mian Amer Mahmood of Chicago Sister City Lahore, Pakistan and Richard M. Daley, Mayor, Chicago, U.S.A.
Global Economic Recovery: Cities Lead the Way (Monday, April 27), Vice President Joe Biden delivered the keynote address at the Richard J. Daley Urban Forum. The session focused on the critical role that cities are playing not only in recovering from the global economic crisis, but also in generating and sustaining long-term growth once the crisis has ebbed.
From left: Mrs. Martha Liliana Herrera, Medellín, Columbia, Joe Biden, Vice President of the United States and Alonso Salazar Jaramillo, Mayor, Medellín, Columbia
From left: Vilhjálmur Jens Arnason of Reykjavík, Iceland, Joe Biden, Vice President of the United States, Mrs. Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir, Mayor of Reykjavík, Iceland and Richard M. Daley, Mayor, Chicago, U.S.A.
Urban Planning: Building the City of the Future (Tuesday, April 28), The strength of a city and its ability to prosper are often dependent on the opportunities it can offer to residents in areas of education, jobs, social services and other similar factors. This session will highlight examples of innovative “human capital” investments that municipal leaders are implementing to help improve the lives of their residents, and in turn, to enhance the long-term prospects for their cities.
Human Capital: Investing in your Residents (Tuesday, April 28) This session will highlight innovative initiatives that municipal leaders are implementing to successfully address urban planning, urban design, and energy and environmental challenges in their cities, and highlight new approaches that municipal leaders are taking to help finance these initiatives.
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
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All together
Photos: Antonio Dickey City of Chicago
18.5.2009 10:19:56
An interview with Vladimír Motlíkk, President of the Prague City Golf Club
18-hole Golf Course with 19 Holes
A new 18-hole golf resort is being buuilt in the beautiful surrounding of Châteaux Zbrasllav on the south fringe of Prague. We talked about thee project of the Prague City Golf Club with Vladimír Motlík, President of the Prague City Golf Club and foremost with his wife Lucie Motlíková, MBA, who has beenn involved next to her husband in the project since its begginnings in the position of the Marketing Director of thee resort. Golf is a specific area of business. There is hardly any entrepreneur involved in golf business who would be driven to it merely by the prospect of making money. Usually, there is some sort of emotions hidden behind such decision. What was your road to getting involved in golf business? My husband had played golf for years when he lived in Canada. I got to golf after meeting him when I came
baack to the Czech Republic after years of living abroad. Hee brought me to golf and now we are both passionate plaayers of golf. We spent even most of our holidays traavelling to prime golf destinations. We have a house not far from Zbraslav and so it haappened that we learnt that there was land and prepaarations going on to build a golf course. They were loooking for an investor at that time so we took the
chance. At the beginning we started the project with our Austrian partners who we bought their share off after some time. Today, the Czech National Golf Resort, s.r.o. is a hundred per cent Czech owned company and the only investor of the Prague City Golf Club. When we talk about the Prague City Golf Club, are we going to talk about pure business or is there an aspect of hobby for you as well?
Photo: Paul Pacey
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Definitively, it is also joyy and a hobby. Originally, we started it with the ideaa that it would be a sort of hobby for us. Today therre is much more troubles and work to it than we expeccted at the beginning. But still, it is a hobby and hopeffully soon also a joy. There are some 78 certified golf courses in the Czech Republic. It can be hardly enough to build just whatever golf course nowadays. When you were starting the project of the Prague City Golf Club what were the specifics, value added that you thought that would make the edge for your club? How do you want to set apart from your competitors? How can you attract golf players or those who have been yet only thinking about playing? From the very beginningg we knew and believed that the main benefit of thhis golf club would be its location. We are still a partt of Prague and the short distance from the city cenntre makes the trip here from anywhere in the town ppleasant. Next, there is no real, full-fledge 18-hole coourse in Prague. But the excellent location is only onne aspect. Our plan was to create and build a really atttractive course and so we approached the best peopple in the business. Since the beginning we have woorked with the architect Jeremy Ford who has beenn around golf design and architecture for some tweenty years. Next was the shaper Mick McShanen w who was invited among his other projects to work on the Castle Course in St. Andrews. The land our course stretches on is rather flattish so the role of the shaper was very important. And of course w we have cooperated with Alex Čejka, who is the mostt famous golf professional with his origins in the Czeech Republic. For Alex it was the first golf course hee designed. We did really pay much attention to gatther an excellent team of professionals. Alex Čejka, who is well-known in the Czech Republic even with non-golfers, should be the marketing face that will sell your golf club, or is his involvement in the project more fundamental? I would say both. Certaiinly, as a PGA professional who as you said is w well-known in the Czech Republic, his name will havve probably some marketing effect. However, his involvement has been much deeper. He was involved in designing the course. He was coming here and followed the development and realization of the projecct. Alex was also in contact with the architect Jeremyy Ford and was bringing plenty of ideas that were tthen incorporated to the final project. Besides, since last year we started to work together on our golf academy w with the intention to bring up a “new Alex Čejka”. Thee academy that will be an important part of the Praguue City Golf Club will carry Alex’s name which shouldd motivate young golfers who know his name from m following the US PGA Tour and should have the motivation to go in his footsteps. Is there any resemblance with any concrete golf course you visited with your husband? As far as the design is cconcerned, definitely not. We put this side of the prroject absolutely into the hands of designers and thhe architect. Concerning the accompanying servicees and their quality, we surely were inspired by ouur personal experience of
passionate players who have played golf in many places all over the World. We want the game not to be slow on our golf course. We want to have here more marshals than other golf clubs so people would noot lose time purposelessly. We plan to have speciaal services here such as when you leave your dirty golf shoes in the lockers we will clean them for you foor free. We have built golf road for trolleys. Our golf carr s will have a GPS navigation. We will have an excellennt restaurant there. As golf players we spend a lot of time playing and we play on Czech golf courses so we know whaat are the pros and cons of the golf courses in the country. We know what we would like to change. We get our inspiration from what Czech golf clubs are missing. There used to be not much of competition between the top 18-hole golf courses around Praguee. Now, it seems that the situation starts to change gradually with more projects announced and so eveeryone has to think what to offer to people on top of standard services. What will be the philosophy of the Prague City Golf Club? Will it be purely a golf member club, or will it be opened to green free or walk-in players? To answer this I have to explain that we are going too have two golf courses here. Presently, we have buillt an 18-hole golf course that will be a club course foor members as well as it will be opened to green free players, tournaments etc. I would like to stress here that even if there will be tournaments the memberr s will not be put aside. The golf course will never close for the whole day and there will be always space foor members to play. Besides, in the horizon of a year or two we will open a private 9-hole course. This will be exclusively a membership club were non-members will not be allowed except a limited number of guests of the members. Do you intend to operate those two golf clubs as separate entities with their own “corporate identities” or will it be run as one golf club? There will be the same investor, but the two golf clubs will be separate with their separate clubhousee, driving ranges, parking lots, member base. The number of golf courses in the Czech Republic is far the highest in the whole region. Did you get some analysis how many more golf courses can the Czech market absorb? The number of golf players in the country counts in tens of thousands. And the number steadily grows year by year. The vast majority of them comes from m Prague. There are 78 golf courses that are spread all over the country. The number of courses in Prague and its immediate surrounding is still very, very low w concerning the number of registered players heree. Prague and its surroundings can well accommodate a few more golf courses. Do you plan to recruit your members from the existing clubs or do you intend to attract people who have not tried golf yet? I would guess half and half. There are some mem mbers we will get among the members of other clubs who will find our location more convenient to them m than their present club or we will attract them by the services we offer. The second group will be beginnerr s
who are not yet signed up members in any club and who look for a club that would suit best their needs and demands. The Czech Golf Federation offers people who do not want to sign up for membership yet anywhere that they can become members of the federation anyhow through the so called central non-club registration. They have a green card, but they are new players and they can become members of any club only when they decide. And Prague carries a big potential among those new players, more than any other place in the Czech Republic. What services will you offer to them in the Prague City Golf Club to attract them to become members? So there is the 18-hole course taking up 85 hectares. We will have two driving ranges. The existing driving range is next to the Lipence farm and it is 300 m long with 18 covered tees. The second driving range will be next to the clubhouse and will be used only for members and green free players. It will be 380 m in length with 226 m in range with approximately 50 practice tees. What you can find only in the Prague City Golf Club is then an 18-hole putting course “Himalayas” for which we found inspiration in St. Andrews in Scotland. We have also a 9-hole course chip&putt that is meant for short game practice and for children learning golf that we want to pay a lot of attention with our Alex Čejka’s Golf Academy to. The biggest specifics of our golf club will then be a 19th hole, a par 4 practice hole that will have 300 m in length. The new, starting players will go to play there with a professional coach who will teach them also some of the etiquette of the game. From the rest there will be an excellent restaurant and spike bar. We have also opened a Golf Shop that is operated by the INTERMEDIA GREXIM s.r.o. Certainly, the golf club has got a functional hall and terrace available for organizing seminars, press conferences or any type of event. The golf business cannot avoid the impacts of the world economic crisis. Some of the project of new golf courses in the Czech Republic have been put on hold or called off for a few following years. Does the crisis project into your plans? As far as now we have not had to change our plans in any significant way. We do feel some of the impacts concerning new members, tournaments etc. But we have our course built. That means that the biggest investment has been realized and now there are only minor things to get ready before the finish, mainly in the clubhouse and at the parking lot. As you said the course had been built. When do you intend to make the official launch of the Prague City Golf Club? We would like to open the 9 holes for members in May. At the end of June the 18 holes should be opened officially also for the non-member players. We are considering with Alex Čejka the organization of an official launch of the club with a tournament Alex Čejka & Friends which we would like to become a tradition. By Filip Hubáček I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
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Kar a el Fei Feix, x, Chief Chi ef Exe Execut cutive ive O Of ficer of o Kap Ka schh Photo: Pho to: o JiJindř ndřich ich Šp Špače ače č k
RELIABLE FUNCTIONING of Toll System Improves Kapsch’s Reputation IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC 82
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An interview with Karel Feeix, Chief Executive Officer of Kappsch Your entry to the Czech market several years ago was accompanied by a media debate on under what circumstances and why had a microwave toll system been selected. How is your brand perceived in the Czech market today? For such large tenders, it is usual that competitors start a media campaaign, but this fortunately does not actually reflect thhe reality. Without having any in-depth knowledge and without knowing the context, the media commeented upon the technical benefits and drawbacks off the individual technologies, even though the Goovernment had not been searching for any specific technology in the tender. The Ministry of Transport inqquired a modern, reliable, efficient and easy-to-operaate toll system for heavily loaded roads. Such requireements can presently be complied with by the miccrowave technology only, which proved itself immediately after the toll collection system had been launnched. The satellite technology has certain benefits for regional toll collection, but it has not been used aloone anywhere in the world in commercial operation yeet. But back to your question. Our brand might have been injured by the media campaign, but the reliable functioning of the Czech toll system has been siggnificantly improving our reputation for two years already. What revenues have been obtaine d for the Ministry of Transport until the present time owing to the electronic toll system? Due to the obstructions of the unsuccessful bidders in the tender, we had an incredibly short time for the construction. Owing too our know how, however, we managed to do it in recoord-breaking nine months. And since its very launch in January 2007, the toll system has generated positive surprises only. It was breaking one record after another, not only in terms of the amounts collected, but also in terms of its operating efficiency. In the first two years, it managed to collect nearly 122 billion Czech crowns in total from trucks. In the first years, some of the money will be used to repaay the construction costs of the system, but it still reemains a reliable moneymaking machine for the Govvernment. The launch of toll collection in the Czech Republic was quite successful in terms of revenues. However, the situation is getting worse due to the economic crisis... The performance and efff iciency of the toll system still remains at the same level as it was before the crisis. It is just the number of trucks on charged roads that has decreased, which we can never affect being the toll system’s operator. Truck traffic is a sensitive and accurate indicator of grrowing or declining industry and consumption, so the year-on-year drop in the collected toll just copies thhe decline of the national and European industry. Acccording to the current statistics, the decline has sttopped around 15 % as against the extremely goodd year 2008. We are now reporting figures similar to the first year of toll collection, when more than 5 billion Czech crowns were collected over the whole yeear. As soon as there are signs of revival in the econoomy, the amounts collected will immediately increasse. From the next year, the
group of paying trucks should also be extennded with smaller trucks from 3.5 tons in weight alreaady, which is more equitable and usual in the rest of Euurope. How would you evaluate the existing toll collection system in the Czech Republic? How relevant is the debate on charging passenger traffic with toll? The selection of a microwave toll system m for motorways and speedways proved to be corrrect. The system repaid itself from the toll collectedd in seven months only, which is an excellent indicator of return on investment. The Government is also planning to extend it to the next thousand kilometress of future motorways. The question is, however, how to charge regional roads, where it will be necessary to use a satellite subsystem and take into accounnt its high operating costs. The motorway toll system should not subsidize its regional branch. However, in cooperation with the Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT) and with the Ministry of Transport, we developed so-called ‘hybrid toll system’ by addding a satellite interface to the existing toll system. Within the framework of the contemplated European standards, we combined the best of both the technoloogies and we are currently testing the hybrid solutioon in pilot operation. However, the final decision will always be up to the Government and the Parliament. As regards passenger cars, the European Union recoommends that the Member States should in the next decade replace the time-based coupons with a more equitable method of paying for the kilometres traveelled. It is a paradox that, with reasonable rates, maany divers would even save money compared to thhe annual motorway vignette. In technical terms, the Czech Republic is ready, but the time for a political decision has not come yet. In what phase is currently the debate on satellite toll collection in the EU? Is there any hope for a uniform all-European traffic charging system in the future? The European Union recommends that, when implementing toll collection, the countries shhould use either the microwave technology or a GPS/GSM combination in order to be compatible with the European system Galileo in the future. In reality, all countries that collect toll in any form use miccrowaves. Germany is the only country in the world that has selected the method of combining a maanual toll system with GPS/GSM. The debates on standardization of so-called uniform all-European Eurrovignette take place for many years already. During the Czech Presidency, the debates have been accelerated and enriched with the aspect of a hybrid toll syystem, i.e. a combination of technologies that mighht help to solve the situation. Kapsch operates from Alaska to New Zealand. What is the position of the Czech branch within the entire holding? At present, Kapsch ranks among the worlld leaders in the field of delivery and operation of electronic toll systems. In addition to Europe, we aree building toll systems in Australia, Bangkok (Thailannd), China and India, and in the South American counntries. We
deliver systems for telematic solutions and systems to increase road traffic safety. Among all of these projects, however, the Czech Republic reprresents, for the time being, the last implementation of such a comprehensive and country-wide toll sysstem by Kapsch. The Czech Republic did not just launch toll collection, but presently the fastest develoopment of traffic and toll technologies in whole Euurope is taking place here, which we participate in, of course. The Government massively invests in the safety elements on motorways referred to as ‘Inttelligent Motorway’. The said hybrid toll solution iss being tested to charge regional truck traffic. Appplication of the existing toll system on passenger caars, too, is being considered, for now at least in the context of the existing time-based charges, to enaable the inhabitants to use a modern and flexible eleectronic vignette. So the position of Czech Kapschh within the holding is very strong. In the Czech Republic, do you offer a whole range of services provided by Kapsch, or are you focused on a particular segment only? Kapsch has been active in the Czech Republic for 18 years already. We started here with business solutions for companies and state authoritiees in the field of communications using data and connverged solutions, i.e. IP telephony and contact cenntres in particular. IT comprises the administration of company content, the implementation and inteegration of applications, outsourcing or virtualization Infrastructure covers then the field of building daata centres and intelligent buildings. Of course, this business is currently experiencing the serious ecconomic crisis – it tends to stagnate or decline. Kapsch is known in the Czech Republic particularly due to the implementation and operation of the toll system. What portion of your national activities does this stand for? Are you implementing any other significant projects in the Czech Republic? Of course, operation of the toll system represents our dominant activity. In addition to that, however, we are for a number of years already deliverring and implementing GSM-R for the Czech railways. This is a special communications system between a train and the background personnel, the essence of which is not the communication itself, but rather itss 100% reliability. It is about traffic safety and thiss is why there must never be any failure or interrupption in communication. We won the tender for the fiirst part of the railway network in the year 2004. At present, GSM-R covers a corridor stretching from the German border near Děčín towards Prague and Kolín. Last year, we started to build another part of the system stretching further towards Břeclav and the Austrian and Slovak border. This is an all-European pllatform, but the Czech Republic is in the Central Euuropean region certainly the most advanced user of this technology. By Filip Hubáček I
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business event
From left: Mr. A. Moskalenko, Head of Human Resources Department, Lukoil and H.E. Alexey Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation
LUKOIL RECEPTION AT THE RUSSIAN EMBASSY
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From left: Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, Consultant, Alexander Mitrofanov, Commentator, Právo, Mgr. Anna Čurdová, Deputy of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Chamber of Deputies, Ing. Miloslav Vlček, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the Czech Republic and Ing. Zdeněk Zbytek, President of Klub Rusko
14.5.2009 20:08:02
From left: Valery Prozorovsky, Deputy Chairman of Commitee of Natural Resources and Ecology, Russian State Duma, H.E. Alexey Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Oleg V. Morozov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, The Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
From left: Ing. Jaroslav Potůček, Chief of the Board of Directors and Managing Director, Mero ČR, a.s. and Vladimir I. Nekrasov, First Vice President, Lukoil Ms. Ludmila Shishkina, Lukoil and Ivan Masliayev, Head of Legal Department, Lukoil
From left: Anatoly Agapov, Minister-Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in the Czech Republic and doc. Ing. Václav Petříček, CSc., Chief of the Board of Directors, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries
From left: H.E. Ivan Orlič, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Martin Ehl, Chief International Editor, Economia Ltd., Hospodářské Noviny and H.E. Vladimír Vereš, Ambassador of Serbia From left: Vladimir A. Vlasov, Deputy Commercial Representative of the Russian Federation in the Czech Republic and Vladimir J. Novgorodskiy, Counsellor Embassy of the Russian Federation
From left: David Částek, Member of Advisory Board, EuropeanRussian Bank, Sergey Vagin, Third Secretary of the Russian Federation Embassy in the Czech Republic and Mark Gluzman, Deputy Managing Director Lukoil CEE & Belgium
From left: Dzhanat Suleymanova, Employee of Lukoil Czech Republic and Elena M. Smirnova, Secretary of the Board of Directors, Lukoil
From left: Tom Mueller, Vice President of Lukoil and Gati Al-Jebouri, Chief Executive Officer, LITASCO Switzerland
From left: Vladimír Plašil, Chairman of the Board, Alta and Ing. Jan Zaplatílek, Director of Gas Industry and Liquid Fuels Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
PLM_0903_events___3.indd 85
Oleg V. Morozov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, The Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation in his speech
14.5.2009 20:08:32
From left: Alexandr B. Vasilenko, Head of Department of Communication with Commonwealth and State Bodies, Lukoil and Ing. Miloslav Vlček, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the Czech Republic
From left: Ing. František Masopust, Executive Director, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries, Ms. Jana Kordačová, Secretary, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries and Jan Struž, Owner, Czech Top 100 From left: Valentin Zlatev, Managing Director, Lukoil, Balkan Region States and H.E. Dr. Zdravko Popov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria
From left: B. Subaev, General Manager of Lukoil Belgium, Ivan Paleychik, General Manager of Lukoil Northern Europe and Baltic States and Firket Aliyev, General Manager of Lukoil Black Sea Region States
Don Walletté, President of Conoco Phillips in Russian Federation and States of Caspian Region and Mrs. Lori Walletté
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz Ms. Zdeňka Kuhnová, Managing Director, Pleon Impact and Michal Burian, Consultant, Pleon Impact
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LUKOIL RECEPTION... PLM_0903_events___3.indd 86
From left: Prof. Valery I. Graifer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Lukoil, H.E. Enkhtur Ochir, Ambassador of Mongolia, H.E. Vladimír Vereš, Ambassador of Serbia, H.E. Alexey Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation and H.E. Achilleas Antoniades, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus
14.5.2009 20:09:10
The Moravian-Silesian Region and Its Programme for the Future The Moravian-Silesian Region is a region of beautiful nature and of many sights of historical and cultural intere r st. It is a pllace re ace where more and more visitors come ac too spe pend ndd the heiirir lei eisu sure ree ttim im me. The offer is unique in comparirisonn wiithh oth other eerr reg reg e ions ioonnss of of the Czech Republic and it iss aan ass su s ranc ncee that thee regio ioon wi willllll bbec ecom ec o e a ceentre for om deve de veelo lope ped tour pe u issm. m Itt iiss a re regi regi g onn of co cont ntra rast s s annd op st oppo port po r tun rt unit un nitit ie ies es th that a at prov pr ovid ov ides id es alll thee preere reqquissities e nec eces ess saaryy for essa o an acc tive tit ivee a pr ap proa o cchh to en entr trep tr eppre r ne neur ur ship andd llififife. ur e T hhee Mor e. orav avia av iania nSile Si leesi sian a Regio eggio ionn rreepr p essen e ts t lifee and annd busi buusi s ne ness sss att a good gooodd adddr d ess s fo for on onee an andd qu quar arte t r millionn pe te p op ople pllee aass we w ll as foor comp co mppanniees an a d entrep eppreene n urs. The reegi gion on has exc x eppttiional nat xc a urr all and lan ands d caapee ds weealth butt aals lsso ec ecol o oggiccal a bbur urrde dens ns cau cauuseed esspe p cial allly l b its by t s orir en enta taatiton to he h avy avv y in indu dust du sttry r tha hatt representt a gr g ea e t fifnanc naancia ncci l load for thee reg egio i n in io in regar egar ards d to th ds t ei eirr ellim imin inat in nat at io atio ion. on. n. Thee co Th coun untr un trys tr ysid ys idee maay bee cha id h racterised edd as a tr t additt ionallllllyy st na stro rong ro ng aasp spec sp ectt of tthe ec he rreg egio eg ioon wi ion with th issue ues in the ue h are rea of emp mplo loym lo ymen ym ent,t,t llow en ow w wag ages ag es aand ndd bad bad aacc cces cc ess si sibi b lliityy. ItI iiss bi neece c sssar ary to ccon onntitinu nuee im nu impr prov pr ovin ov ingg th in thee co cond nditititio nd ionn of w io wat atter er,, a r annd nois ai isee leve is vels ve ls. ls It is al also s necces essaryy ttoo diisp spos o e of w wasste tess eccol olog ogic og ical ic ally al ly andd to t payy attentitition o to re on revi vita vi t lisa satitition sa o and mai aint nten nt e an en an-ce ooff th the la the landdsc land scap cap apee an andd to t eeco colo co logi lo logi gica c l aw awar war aren enes en es s. es ess. s. T he Mora Mo ravi avviian an-S n-SSililes esia iann Reegi g on is pr prep epar arin ingg the the co th c ns nstr t ucc tition t ion on of the Regional Inttegratedd Centre (KIC) that will utilise communal wasstes. This hiss means that wastes will be practically used ass a supp ppplement to primary naaturall resources in the maa x imal ex tent possible, the shaare off mate ma teeririal al uti utiilil saatition on of co comm mm mmun mun unal al was was aste tee willl be be inc incre reeassed reas ed to 50 % byy 2201 0 0 an 01 andd th thee weig weeig ight hhtt pro pro ropo port po rtio rt ionn off bioolo io logi gigi callyy degr grad gr a able ad abble was was aste tess di te d sp spos ossed ooff at ddum osed um mps wil wililll be
decreased by 35 % by 2020, as Photo: Robert Mročka compared with 2000. Another challenge of the new regional management is to reinforce the economic and social stability of the countryside and to contribute to its sustainable develoopm p en entt including the product duct du c io i n and annd exxpo p rt of ag agricult ra tu rall pr prod odduc u tss w who h se pro ho rodu d tion du is proovide viide dedd fo forr bbyy thee condi d ttiion o s of tthe he reg eggioon. n. Thhe mo most s imppor st orta tant ta nt oobj b ec bj ec tit ve ve sett iss to ac se actititive velyy mitt ig igat atee th at thee i paact im ctss of o the h eco ecoono nomi m c ccrr issis mi b alll avvaaililab by able ab lee meeaans and n to crreeaate t con o di d tit on onss an and meechan chhannis isms ms thhaat w wiill fac acili ili iitt ate atte furthe hheer dy dyna naam miic de deve v looppm ve men entt of thee Mor orav a iaanav n Siilesi leesiiann Reegionn. Regi In thee ffirirst ir st pla lace ce we have ce vee foc o us u edd on th thee in i ccrreaase s off tthe h vvol he o um ol me of o fin inan a ci ciall asssissta tanc nncce (sub (ssubbsi sidi dies di ess) to t s al sm a leer mu muni muni nici c pali ci paalliitities t iess and toow wns in tthhe re regi g onn esppee cial ci ally al ly iinn th the fiel the eldd of theeirr inves nvves estm t ent tm enn ac ac tit ivi acti vitities es tha hatt wi w lll brin br ingg a si in siggnificant mu multltip ipplilica caattiionn eff f fec ffec e t foor th t ei eirr fu furt rthe rt h r he deve de velo ve lopm lo pment. Besiddes tthe pm he iinc he ncre nc reas re asse of of f innanci annci c aall mea e ns n inn tthe hee eexi x ist in xi xist i g su s bssiidddie iees, s, whi hich hich ch is at lea east s 10 % evver eryy year, a fuund for o reggioona n l ddeevveeloopm p en entt wi willlll be es esta tabta b blished. Thhe region willl pr p ov o iidde at leaastt CZKK 1100 mi millllio i n from its bud u ge g t to the h fuunnd.. Priimarily, this is fun undd wi willl sup upport the abssor o ptioon caapa p city off mu m ni n ciipaalil ties tiies es aand nd towns for the fifinanccia iall m meean ans frrom m the h res esou o rc ou rces e of thhe Euro Eu rope ro p an pe an Union. Anot An o heer significan ot annt ar area e is th ea thee tr tran ansp an spor sp ortt in or infr fras fr astr as truc tr uc-uc ture tu re aand nd t he conne n ct ne ctio ion io on of tthe he M Mor orav or avia av iania n-Si nSile Si lesi le sian si an
Reegi gion onn to tthhe Euuro rope pean pe ann higghw h ay a net e wo work rk. rk k At thi hi s mome mo m nt, th me thee pr prov ovisio ov ion of o at le leas astt CZ as CZK 2. 2.55 bi b lll io ion on fo f or t e co th com mp tion mp mpleti tition of D47/ D447//D11 higghw h ay in th the seectt io ionn Bě Bě-lootíín––Bílo lotí Bíí lo B love vecc an andd thher eref efor ef orre the thhe co conn nnec nn e tition on off Os O tr trav ava av too tthe hee higghw wayy net net etwo t wo work in au autu tumn tu m of thhiss yea mn yea e r is con onsi si-si dere de reed to red to be crr uc u ia ial.l We wi willll als lso so pr p ov o idde fifnaanc ncess foorr nces thhe cont coont ntinuati t t ion on of tthhe road on rooad const onst on struucctt ioon inn the he sectiion Ostr Os trav tr ava– av vaa––Mo Mokréé La Lazc zce, whi h ch is a cr c uc u iaal ccoonstr t uc tr uc titonn for thee ca th c pa paci ciity con onne nneect ctio ionn of io o Opa p va and pa nd the the he wesste tern ern r n ppar at ar of the the reg egio ionn to the reg egio ional ciity io ty. Onne off the h priior o itties iees of thee reg egio ionn is io is als lsoo th thee co comp m le mp letion on ooff th t e hi high gghhwa w y att thhe bo the bord rder rd er witithh Po er Pola land and and n thee com o pl plet ettio ionn of hig ighw hway hw a feed fe edderr s. s T he h byyppas as s of o KKrn rnov rn ov,, ass par ov parr t of o the con onne neect c ion ioo t the bor to orde derr cr cros ossi os s ngg in Baart si rtul ulltoovi v ce and and nd the Pollissh A 4 hiighhwa way, y iiss al y, also so an im impo poortt an antt co c ns nstr t uc tr uctitition o . on B Jar By aros osla os l v Pa Palaas I Pres Pr resid essid i en entt off tthe hee Mor orav avia av iania n-Si nS le Si lesi siian R Reg egio eg ionn
Moravskoslezský kraj a jeho program pro budoucnost Mora ravskosl ra slez sl e ský kr kraj aj je kraj aj ppřírodn dníc dn ích krás íc áss a mnoha ha historický kých a kul ký ulturníchh pa p mátek, k, jje míst stem st em, kam em m stt álle v ce nnáv ví ávvšt ávšt štěv ěvní ěv níků ní ků jez ezdí dí trá rávi vitt svvůj vi ů vol olný ný ččas a . Na as Nabí abí bídk dkaa je dk je ve srov sr ovnání ov níí s jinými re reggiony Čeesk ské re repu publ pu b iky bl ikk y unnikkáttníí a je přís př íslilibe ís b m, be m, že se se kr aj stane ceennttre rem m ro rozv zvin zv inut in utéh ut éhoo ttuurirst éh s ic ic-kéého rucchu. Je to krr aj kontrr as asttů a příleeži žito tost to sttí, nnab a íz ab í í ve vešk škker eré ppooddmínkk y pr mínk mí pro aakk tivní př přís ísstup k podn dnik ikán á í a ži án ž vootuu. Pr Pro je j den deen a ččtt vvrr t mi mililion mili o u liddí on dí i pro firmyy a ppod o nika od nikaate ni tele lee předs řeeds dsta t avu ta vuje vu j je přítítítomno př om mno n stt v Morr av a sk s os osle lezs ezské zsské kém kr k aj a i žiivoot a po podnnik podn ikán ánní ání na dob obré réé adr d es ese. ese. Kraj Kr a dispo aj isspoonu nuje jee v ýj ý im meč e nýým přř írrodní odníím a kr od kraj ajin aj innný ným m bobo bo haats tstv tvím tv ím,, al ím a e na nappro prot oti to oti t mu i eko k loogi gick c ým ck ýmii zá zátě těže tě žeemi způůsoobbeenýýmii zej ejména naa orien enta t ací ta cí naa tě t žk žkýý prům pr ůmys pr y l.l Pro kkra ys rajj t zzna to name m náá i vel me e kéé ffin innannčn ční za z tít že žení n přiř ods dstrr aňov aňňov ován á í án těěch c too ekkooloogi gick ckýc ck k ýc ých ch zá zátě těží tě ěžžíí. VVeenk nkov ov lzee cha ov hara rakt ra k eerrizzov kt ovat a jak at akoo trtrad a ič ad ičně ně sili noou so souč učás uč ásst kraj kr raj ajee s pr prob oblé oblé ob lémy émy zzej e méénaa v ned ej edos osta os staatk t u pr prac acov ac ovní ov ních ní chh m mís ísst, s ní n zk z ým ýmii mz mzda dami da m a špa mi p tn tnou ou dop opra ravn ra vnní ob obsl služ sl užno už nost no stí.í.í Je po st po-třtřeb ebaa dál eb álee zl z ep epšo šoova vatt st stav av vody, oddy, ovz vzdu d ší du š i hlu luko uko kové vé zát vé átěž ěžže. e Je nut utné né eko kolo logi lo g ckk y za gi zach c áz ch ázet ett s odp dpad ady ad dy a vě v no n vaat se s revi re evi vita taaliza liiza zaci c a údr ci d žb ž ě kr k aj ajin inyy a v ne in nepo poslled posl po e ní ní ř addě ek ekol olog ol ogic icckéé
Suupppor orte teers and Gen ener eral er al Par al artn tner tn erss er of Mor Morav a iaanav n-Si Sile Si leesi s an a Reg egio ioon:
osvětěě. Moravskosl sllez ezsk skýý kr sk kraj aj ppřiprav aj avuj ujje vý výstav a bu K raj-j s éhho inte sk inntegrovanéhoo ceent nt raa (KI K C) na vy v yužív využ užív už íván á í ko án komu m náálmu ních ní cchh odp dpad dp a ů. ad ů. V praxii to zn z am mená enná v ma ma xiimá málnní mí m řee vyu v yu yuží žítt ží o pady jak od akoo náhraduu pr ak prim im már ární n ch příříroodnníc ní ích zdro zddro rojů j , zv jů z ýš ý iti po mate podíl teririr álového vyyuužžittí koomu te munáln náálníh í o od íh o pa paduu na 50 5 % do roku 20 2010 1 a sníži žitt hmotnosttní ppod ži oddílí bioolo logi g ckk y roozgi loožených odp d adů ulož ožen ož enýc en ýýcch na n skl k ad adky k na 355 % do ro roku oku k 220020 ve srrovvná nání ní s rrok okkem okem m 2200 0000. 0. Posílit eko koonoom miick ick ckou kou o a soc ociá iáln iá áln lníí st stab a ililit ab liti u ve v nk n ovva a přř i-isppět k jehho ttrr va vale le uudr d ži dr ž teeln lném ém mu rroozv zvoj oji vč oj včet ettněě v ýr ý ob o y a výývozu vo zuu zem zem eměd ě ěl ěd ělsk sskk ýc ýchh vý výro robk ro bků, bk ů, jejjic ů, ichž chžž pro rodu dukc du kce kc ce jee v naaššicch pooddm podm mínnká kách c vho ch hodn ddnná, á, je da dalš lšší výý zvvou o novvéh éhoo ve v de dení n kraaje ní je. Nejddůl Ne ůlež e iittěj ější ším cí ším c leem, m k terýý jsm smee si si dal alii jee akt ktiv ivvně ivně n půso pů sobi b t vš bi v em emii dost doost s up upný nýými m prost roost stře ředk ře d y na dk na zmi m rň r ová ovván ání ání dopa do padů pa důů hhos o podá os podáářské po řsskéé krir zee a ssou ouča ou časn ča sně vyy tv sn tvář ářet ář et tak et t akov akov ak ovéé p dm po dmín ínnky ínky k y a mec echani haanniism smy, y, k te teré réé umoožní žnní daalš lšíí dy dyna n mi na micccký roz ozvo voj Moora vo voj ravs vsko vs skosl koosl slez e sk ez skéh éhoo kr éh kraj aje. aj e e. V pr prvé vé ř ad aděě js jsme m ssee za me zamě amě měřiřili řiřili nnaa zv z výš ýšen ýš eníí obbje en jemu mu mu fifina naančční pod nanč pod odpo poory (do (do d ta tací ací cí)) meenš nším í obc ím bcím ím m a měs ěstů tůům na územ úz em mí,í, a to přřed edev evší ev š m v ob ší obla last la stii je st jejijij ch inv inv nves eesstitičn č ích čn ícch ak aktititi-vit,t,t, kte vi k te t ré přřiine neso souu vý so význ znam zn am mnýý mul ultitit pl plik plik ikač a ní ač ní efe fekt ktt pro ro jejijijich je ch dal alší ší roz ozvo v j.j. Mimo vo im mo na navý výýše š ní f in i annčnníc íchh pr p os ostř třed tř edků ed kůů
nna jižž exist stujícíí dootaačn č í tiituly ly, a too kaž aždý dým dý m ro roke kem mi ke kem mnim ni máln má lněě o 10 % %,, buuddee v yt y vo vořřen Fo F ndd rreg egioná eg egio iooná náln lníh ln í o ro íh rozv zvoj zv ojje, e doo něhož ož bbudee roočn čněě z rrooozzp zpočtu očč kraj k je odv dved eden enoo m miini nmáln máln má lně 1000 mi m l. Kč. č Pririmá máárnně bu m b de d tennto foonnd po p dp dporrov dpor ovat at absoorrppčn čníí kapaacitu tuu obc b í a měsst pr p o fifina naanč nčníí pro r st stře ř dky ře dkk y zee zdr drroj o ů Evvro rops psskéé uni n e. e. Dalšší dů Da důležitoou obblaast s í je j doppraavnní in i frfras asstruk truk tr uktu tura tu tura r a nnaapojeení Morav avsk skos kosle ossle lezs zsskkéého ho kra raje jee na dá dáln lnič lnič ln ičnníí síťť Evrroppy. y V tééto chv chhvvíli ílli po p važu žujeeme me zzaa ro rozzhhod rozh o uj ujíc ící za íc z jijišt š ěn št ě í mi m ni ni-máln má lněě 22,,5 ml ln m d. d Kč na dok okonnčení ok čeeníí dál á ni n ce c D47 4 /D /D11 v ús ú ek ekuu Běělo lotítítín– n–Bí n– B lo Bí l ve vecc a tít m přř ippoj ojen eníí Os en Os tr t avv y naa dál á ni n čn čníí sííť na ppoodzzim im let e ošní ošní oš ní ho ho r okku. u Z aajjišš tění tění tě ní f innan ancí cí pro proo pok okra raačo čováání n stt av avby Ostt ra r a Mookkréé Lazce – jjak rava–M akko ro r ozh zhhodduj ujíc jíccí st stav t av a byy pr o ka pr kapa paaci citn itn t ní ní na n pooje jení enníí O Opa pavy pa v y a zzáp áppaddníí čás čás ástiti reg egio ionu io nuu na krr aj ajsk sskké měst měěst sto. o. Mez o. e i pr prio iori io oririty ty pat atříří t ak akéé do doko konč ko nččen eníí ddáálnice ni c na hr ce hran a icci s Po an Pols lske ls keem a do dobu budo d vá do vání n dállni ní ničn čníc čn ícch př při-i-vadě va děčů dě čů. čů ů Dů Důle leži le žito ži tou st to s av avbo boou buude t ak a é obbch chva vatt Kr va K rno nova no va jako ja ko sou oučá část čá st nap nap apoj ojen oj eníí na ppře en řech ře c od Bar ch artu tuultltov tult ovic ov icee a dáálee nnaa ic pools lsko sko k u dá dáln lnnici ici A 4. ic Jaro Ja rooslav sllavv Paallas a I h jt he jtma m n Mo ma Mora ravs ra vsko vs kkoosl slez e skéh ez skkéh é o kr k aj ae
Lead Le ader ad erss Maga er Maga Ma gazi z ne zi ne III III II/ I/ 20 2009 0 09
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moravian-silesian region
MOŠNOV – Representatives of companies, which otherwise operate in various fields of the industry and trade, met again in the spaces of Mošnov Airport exactly one year after the inauguration of the Repair and Aviation Service Centre JOB AIR – CENTRAL EUROPE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, and indeed have something in common – they are members of the Geofin Group.
Mošnov Airport
From left: Daneš Zátorský, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Geofin, a.s., Tomáš Friedel, ČSOB leasing, and Vít Šrámek, ČSOB leasing
Presentation of the Geofin Group Members more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
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The airport hall with many guests
14.5.2009 12:03:29
From left: prof. Ing. Vladimír Smrž, Ph.D., Director, Institute of Transport of VŠB-TU Ostrava, Jan Světlík, General Director, Vítkovice, a.s., Jiří Pekárek, Director for Constructive Activities of VOKD, a.s., Lubomír Vavroš, Director, Leoš Janáček Ostrava Airport
Ralf Töblemann, General Manager, Job Air – Central Europe Aircraft Maintenance, a.s. From left: Jan Březina, Executive Director Geofin, a.s. and Daneš Zátorský, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Geofin, a.s.
From left: Mrs. Šárka Froňková, Managing Director, EuroPublic Cz., s.r.o. and Ivo Mocek, Managing Director, Tvarstav, s. r. o.
Petr Lahres, Director, JOB AIR – CENTRAL CONNECT AIRLINES, s.r.o.
From left: Daneš Zátorský, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Geofin, a.s., James Walker, President, Worthington Aviation, USA, Josef Horňák, Chief Executive, Job Air – Central Europe Aircraft Maintenance, a.s., and Martin Coleman VP Finance, Worthington Aviation, USA
From left: Jan Světlík, General Director, Vítkovice, a.s. and Jaroslav Paclt, Executive Director VOKD, a.s.
At the beginning of the 90 minute presentation, the Chairman of Geofin Company’s Board of Directors Daneš Zátorský reminded, that a number of experienced managers who work in Geofin, are able to respond to the current market situation and thus satisfy the demands of all business partners. Josef Horňák, the Chief Executive Officer of JOB AIR – CEAM Company, confirmed in his speech that there is a great interest in the services of Mošnov Centre among clients. An example is the recently signed contract with GE Commercial Aviation Services Company, a global leader in commercial aircraft leasing. He therefore plans next steps for the future, leading to the development of the whole hangar. After the presentation of the aircraft companies of the Central Connect Group, a group of companies which are engaged in the building industry had their turn. Geofin’s flagship in this area is VOKD Company, which is one of the largest construction companies in the country. Director for 89 construction activities Jaroslav Paclt proved this fact with several numbers. The company’s turnover in 2008 was 1.6 billion crowns, and this year the company counts on its increase. Other important Geofin Group members in the building industry are Slezský kámen, Tvarstav and LUCCO.
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moravian-silesian region The first Fancy Dress Ball of the Geofin Company proceeded in a spirit of the 1930ies. Ladies were dressed in period dresses and their hairdos were festooned with feathers or flowers, whereas the gentlemen were dressed in suits complemented with hats or top hats. Ostrava Fairground’s pavilion A changed beyond recognition for several hours on the second Saturday in March. The automobile Praga from the first half of the last century, porters by the entrance door, period style hostesses, but especially the precisely prepared program, took all the guests over many decades ago. The conferencier of the ball was Marek Vašut, who with his well known nobleness introduced all the performers. The guests could listen and dance to the entertainment from Sestry Havelkovy, Pavol Habera, Beatles Revival, 4TET and Legendy se vracejí. The atmosphere during the whole night was complemented by movie sequences projected on a large screen with Oldřich Nový, who was one of the Czech symbols of the prewar period. And naturally as it is common at such events of Geofin Company, charity was not left out. Total proceeds from entrance fees, which came to respectable 200 thousand crowns, was donated to the endowment fund Nadační fond manželů Livie a Václava Klausových, whereas, the profit from the tombola and the successive auction of a Harley Davidson motorcycle is designated for the employees’ children and their curative summer camps.
GEOFIN BALL
From left: Mrs. Eva Peterková, Winner of the successive auction, Marek Vašut, Conferencier and Daneš Zátorský, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Geofin, a.s.
Jiří Korn, Singer with Organizing Team of the EuroPublic Cz. From left: Mrs. Šárka Froňková, Mrs. Michaela Košnarová, Mrs. Hana Brodzáková and Mrs. Martina Dvořáková
From left: Marek Vašut, Conferencier, Vojtěch Mynář, Deputy Mayor of Ostrava and hostess
Right: Daneš Zátorský, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Geofin, a.s. on the dance floor
JUDr. Aleš Vídeňský, Regional Representative of the Czech Bar Association in Ostrava
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Ing. Jaroslav Paclt, Executive Director, VOKD, a.s. and his wife
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15th anniversary
From left: Ad Raatgeep, Manager of PA Tube, Sandvik, Sweden and Dan Kurucz, General Manager of SCPT Chomutov
VIP International Party in Prague
SANDVIK CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF ITS EXISTENCE IN CHOMUTOV
In mid-April, the company Sandvik Chomutov Precision Tubes Ltd. (SCPT), which is a part of the worldwide well-known industrial group Sandvik celebrated the 15th anniversary of its existence in Chomutov. The celebration took place in Prague with the presence of international VIP customers from the oil & gas, chemical, petrochemical and power generation industry as well as of the Swedish Sandvik Tube management representatives and Czech key suppliers. The event was kicked-off early in the afternoon at the Diplomat Hotel, then reassumed on a boat-trip on the Vltava River and continued with a sight-seeing tour in a historical tram. The celebration peaked in one of the biggest Prague alehouse and minibrewery U Medvídků. The 15th anniversary celebrations also took place the following evening at the Chomutov Town Theatre. This time the event was organized for Sandvik employees who were enjoying the rich program till the early morning hours.
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From left: Ad Raatgeep, Manager of PA Tube, Sandvik, Sweden and Lars Östlund, Oil&Gas Strategy Manager, Sandvik with his wife
From left: Jiří Plicka, Planning Manager in SCPT and Petr Tlamicha, Segment Lead of Air Products spol. s r.o.
Andrew Camm, Director, MIS Ltd. and his partner
Ms. Lucie Balážová, Purchase Specialist in SCPT and Knut Nøglegaard, Supply Chain Manager of Aker Subsea, Norway
From left: Mrs. Charlotta Klaxman, wife of Anders Klaxman, Mrs. Gunilla Östlund, wife of Lars Östlund and Mrs. Kajsa Enarsson, wife of Benny Pettersson
Pavel Bárta, Sales Manager of BIS Czech Litvínov with his wife
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From left: Ad Raatgeep, Manager of PA Tube, Sandvik, Sweden, Atle Traaen, Purchasing Manager, Nexans, Lars Östlund, Oil&Gas Strategy Manager, Sandvik, Per Johansen, Sales Manager, Nexans, Brazil, Dan Kurucz, General Manager of SCPT and Benny Pettersson, Marketing and Sales Manager of SCPT
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From left: Dan Kurucz, General Manager of SCPT shaking hands with Vlastimil Pavlíček, Sales Director of Air Products spol. s r.o. for CR and SR
Petr Janoušek, Lean Production Manager, SCPT with his partner Kateřina
From left: Finn Gjerull, Vice President Umbilicals, Aker and Benny Pettersson, Marketing and Sales Manager of SCPT
From left: Dan Kurucz, General Manager of SCPT, James Altieri, Production Manager, Aker Solutions, Ad Raatgeep, Manager of PA Tube, Sandvik, Sweden and Mark Quenneville, Plant Manager in Mobile, Aker Solutions
Abba Stars Anders Klaxman, Head of Business Controlling of PA Tube, Sandvik, Sweden
SCPT main suppliers (from left): Vlastimil Pavlíček, Sales Director of Air Products spol. s r.o. for ČR and SR with his wife, Petr Tlamicha, Segment Lead of Air Products spol. s r.o. with his wife, Antonín Kalaš, Director of Actherm servis, a.s., Stanislava Kuruczová wife of Dan Kurucz, Libor Malínek, Director of Kerner s.r.o., (in the middle): Jan Cháb, Executive Head of Noel-Plus s.r.o., Dan Kurucz, General Manager of SCPT, Vladimír Míček, Director and Executive Head of SEA-Chomutov, s.r.o., Mrs. Šulcová, wife of Josef Šulc, Vladimír Heřt, Purchasing and Logistics Manager in SCPT, Josef Šulc, Production Manager of Qualitest s.r.o. and Jan Maslekov, Executive Head of Inkod Kovo s.r.o.
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analysis
Petr Wolf, MP Photo: VladimĂr Weiss
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The Government Must Help CZECH ENTREPRENEURS AND COMPANIES
Conquer Eastern Markets The Czech Republic depends on exports. How do you expect our country’s pro-export policy to develop? Seeing as the GDP of the Czech Republic is dependent on exports from roughly 80 %, a proexport policy is the crucial point of our economy – not radars, nor the miserable struggle of rivals for power. We should be focusing primarily on eastern markets, which, however, are already being gradually monopolized by those countries with a genuine economic philosophy and vision. Unfortunately, the Czech Republic does not belong among these countries. At this moment, when the impacts of the economic crisis are also affecting the Czech Republic and the EU, searching out new markets and business opportunities becomes an ever more pressing issue. One path to take is to concentrate on eastern markets, which represent an enormous potential for our investors. The growth in the economy of eastern states and their sheer size, for example Russia alone has 141 million inhabitants, is the reason why these former Soviet Republics have become a priority for companies expanding abroad. These countries have oil, natural gas, uranium and other mineral resources (Kazakhstan, for example, boasts every element found on Mendeleev’s periodic table) and are currently rebuilding their infrastructure, laying new electricity grids, sewerage systems, sewage treatment plants and other goods and services essential for modern citizens. Today, these countries are willing to exchange their mineral wealth for the know-how, modern technol h logy andd fif inance enviironmentt all projjects t or projects aimed at tourism. And how do you imagine such a pro-export philosophy? It must be founded on a more vigorous and progressive government international pro-export policy aimed at supporting exclusively Czech small and mid-size enterprises and their products, which could then be marketed to some very promising destinations, such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, but also to Turkey, naturally Russia, China, Ukraine, Afghanistan, not forgetting Vietnam, the Balkan countries and
so on. One example is the Eastern Partnership p ojject, which involves Armenia, Azerbaija pr j n, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The successful launch of the Eastern Partnership is the concern not just of the Czech Presidency of the EU Council, but also of the Czech Republic itself and its own economic diplomacy. The project will become one of the key priorities of Czech foreign policy and economic diplomacy long after our Presidency is over. The goal of the Eastern Partnership is not just to improve access for our entrepreneurs to the markets of those countries, but it will also bring substantial rewards to all businessmen and women throughout EU countries. Their participation will support positive moves towards reforms, introduce more advanced EU standards, legislation and norms, as well as lead to the gradual dismantling of the economic barriers between the EU and participating countries. At the same time, the Eastern Partnership should extend the co-operation bilaterally, not just involving large companies, but also focusing on the support of small and mid-sized firms, of regional electricity trading, or projects centered on energy efficiency and renewable resources. Why Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in particular? These countries are very rich, they are developing very rapidly and are investing heavily in their infrastructure, hospitals, and so on. So here we find a substantial scope for our companies. We should recall the fact that between 11–13 13 Febbruary 200 2009 9 a missi i ion was unddertat ken by selected representatives of the government, Czech Parliament and business, headed by the President of the European Council and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Mirek Topolánek (and in which I also took part), to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, where we met with the respective governments or presidents. The aim of the delegation was to agree on the co-operation as part of the Nabucco project and to negotiate the possibility of entering these markets not only for large companies, but also for the SMEs.
How do you imagine this support? Alreadyy as the Public Commissioner for Development of the Moravian-Silesian Region, I’ve been helping towns and municipalities so that they can take advantage of substantial financial resources from the EU Structural Funds. Incidentally, the Moravian-Silesian Region is growing more than any other region in the Czech Republic. And this is the point. The government has to be a motive force in ensuring the active engagement of Czech entrepreneurs in participating in eastern markets, just as it should provide more support for regions in obtaining resources from the EU. Without such state support, which is provided very effectively in Germany, for instance, we will be mere labourers for hire, depending solely on the tin production halls of Asian and other European countries. I think, however, that we are capable of more, and that it is necessary to really concentrate on what brings economic prosperity to our country. How do you think the overthrow of the Czech government is perceived abroad? It is enormously embarrassing. We dispense with the government during the global economic crisis, where every misstep might result in the economic catastrophe, and moreover, when the Czech Republic has the Presidency of the EU. Instead of us taking important measures all over the political spectrum to resolve the economic crisis, we are engulfed in a political grudge match and power struggle. Can the fall of the government have any serious economic impact on the Czech Republic? At the moment, it is more a question of embarrassment and totally unprofessional senior politicians, whose behaviour runs against the interests of the state. On the other hand, no one knows what tomorrow will bring, how the provisional government will act, and how the European and global markets, on which we depend, will play out. Compiled by LM I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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EU matters
From left: Javier Solana, 1st European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Karel Schwarzenberg, former Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs ÄŒR
EU FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET IN SOUTHERN BOHEMIA
The foreign ministers opened their meeting on Friday 27 March at a working lunch in the castle library. The aim of Gymnich ff an informal i f l platform l f f a thorough h h discussion di i off severall current or sensitive i i issues. i O Friday, F id the h ministers i i was to offer for On addressed the situation in the Middle East, the ESDP civilian mission and Belarus. On Saturday, they discussed the situation in the Western Balkans together with ministers from the candidate countries and from the countries of the Western Balkans.
From left: Alexandr Vondra, former Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Czech Republic and Dick Roche, Ireland´s Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for European Affairs
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Source: www.eu2009.cz
13.5.2009 19:46:40
From left: Bernard Kouchner, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany and David Miliband, British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Franco Frattini, Foreign Minister of Italy
All together at Hluboká Castle
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
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Ioannis Valinakis, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Greece
From left: Miroslav Lajčák, Foreign Minister of the Slovak Republic and Samuel Žbogar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy and Luís Amado, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal
Michael Spindelegger, Foreign Minister of Austria
Traditionally, Gymnich offered an informal private programme for ministers and their spouses. This time, the programme consisted of a dinner and a concert by the well-known Czech opera singer Dagmar Pecková, right at Hluboká Castle. Known as Gymnich after the German castle where it was held for the first time in 1974, the informal meeting of the EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs took place in Hluboká nad Vltavou, in the south of Bohemia.
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In the front from left: Milan Rocen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Lulzim Basha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania and Skender Hyseni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo
Radosล aw Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and Mrs. Kinga Gรถncz, Foreign Minister of Hungary Karel de Gucht, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Maxime Verhagen, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ivailo Kalfin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria
Olli Rehn, Member of the European Commission responsible for Enlargement
Maris Riekstins, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister of Malta and Minister of Foreign Affairs
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BUSINESS NEWS M
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DO YOU KNOW THAT… … Trade mark protection in the EU gets much cheaper and easier to obtain? The European Commission and the EU Member States have decided to lower the fees payable to the Community agency responsible for granting EU-wide trade mark rights, Office for the Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM), and to simplify the reg egist strat ation o ppr oce ocedur du e. e Thiss meas easure u e,, whicch foll o ows o s aan initital a reduction in 2005, will make trade mark protection much cheaper and easier to obtain for businesses operating ope ing in the EU single market, saving them some € 60 millionn a year. Thesee fee reductions imply that in future businesses will pay 40 % less ss for obtaining a Community trade mark – and as much as 44 % less when using electronic means. It will come intoo force on 1st of May 2009. … Commission and Industry agree on swift implementation of public private partnerships in Research and Innovation as part of EU Economic recovery plan? On the eve of the G20, different rent pplans for economic recovery have been discussed. Commissioner sion for Science and Research Janez Potočnik agreed with high-level representatives of the automotive mot ive, ccons onstru tructi ction on and ma manuf nufact acturi uring ng sec sector torss that that sm smart art inves invest-t ments in clean technologies should be made within a public private partnership framework. They recognized the importance of coordination of such investments at EU level. Joint Statement was issued to affirm the agreement to move ahead in the implementation of the research Public-Private Partnerships for the “Factories of the Future”, “Energyefficient Buildings” dings and “Green Green Cars” initiatives included in the European Economic mic Recovery Plan adopted in November 2008. … Commission consults SMEs in publishing on innovation barriers and new business models? The Commission sion has launched la launc u h its first ever consultation devoted to Small mall and Medium Ent Enter Enterprises e in the publishing sector: books, s newspapers, and magazines. Publishing now provides nearly 700 000 jobs, in around aro 80 000 companies across today’s 27 Mem Member ber St Stat attes, s, m mostt of mos of tthem hem SM SMEs Es. Th Thee cons consult ultati ation on wil willl m map ap out how publishing hin SMEs are responding to the evolving business environment and n the changes brought about by new technologies. The results will help to better understand the difficulties publishing SMEs face and identify ways action at national and EU level can strengthen the sector during difficult economic times. The consultation on this topic will run in all EU languages langu until early June. The results of the consulta tationn will be aavail ailable in mid 2009. … Commission fights against late payments? Despite improvements during uring the past years, late payments in commercial transactions ions between com companies or between businesses and public authorities still happen hap in the EU. This hampers the development of business and is eeven co-responsible for bankruptcies of otherwise se via viable companies, notably if they are SMEs. Given the currentt cri crisis,, s everal Member States havee therefore started to address ess this issue at national level. Based onn a commitment in the Small Business Act, the Commission suggests ests a new policy approach to tackle the situation on late payment ments and proposes substantial changes to the late paymentt directive of 2000. The Commission suggests that public authorities shouuld lead by example and should – as a rule – pay their bills within 30 days ays or the freedom to contract will be respected in business to business nes relations, however in case of delay businesses will be entitled ed to claim late payment interest and a compensation of recovery costs. … Commission sets harder targets for faster payments of EU grants and contracts? An initiative introducing new and tougher targets for the payment of EU funds managed directly by the European Commission was adopted. The proposals aim to step up ongoing efforts and speedd up cashh flf low to bbenefif iciiaries i – off ten smallll businesses i andd local managing authorities. They will apply to € 15 billion of funds that have specific payment times covering areas like research, education and youth, energy and transport. One of the key targets is to cut the times for initial pre-financing of EU grants and contracts from 30 to 20 days. The proposals complement recent decisions to speed up payments for Structural Funds projects as announced in the European Economic Recovery Plan, as well as proposals to combat late payments in commercial transactions.
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… Commission proposes regular European Forum for UniversityBusiness Dialogue? The he European Commission presents a set of measures to develop op and strengthen co-operation between universities and businnesses. The measures are part of the Commission’s activities to support the Member States in their efforts to modernize their higher education systems. The Commission proposes to establish the University-Business Forum, which already convened in 2008 andd 2009 2009, as a European platf l tform for dialogue l . Thi T his pllatform tf involves higher education institutions, companies, business associations, intermediaries and public authorities. It enables and stimulates them to exchange good practice, discuss common problems and work together on possible solutions.
CZECH PRESIDENCY NEWS Maintaining employment is one of EU’s key tasks says Czech Prime Minister Topolánek Ahead of the European Council summit in Brussels, Czech Prime Minister and Council President Mirek Topolánek met with delegates of European employers and trade unions at the Tripartite Social Summit. The Czech Prime Minister pointed out that maintainin tai ningg empl employm oyment ent and and crea creatin tingg new new job oppor opportun tuniti ities es at a time t ime when we are hit by the financial and economic crisis is one of the key tasks of the European Union. Some of the Member States have not implemented their national recovery plans yet, and this is why we still don’t know what their impacts will be. It is therefore meaningless to start adopting any new rescue packages” said Topolánek. EU Foreign Ministers met in Southern Bohemia The aim of this meeting was to provide an informal platform for a thorough discussion of several current or sensitive issues. Ministers addressed the situation in the Middle East, the ESDP civilian mission and Belarus. They also discussed the situation in the Western Balkans together with ministers from the candidate countries and from the countries of the Western Balkans. The informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czech Republic was attended by 292 media representatives, of which 136 were from the Czech Republic and 156 from abroad. Summit EU–USA Representatives of all EU Member States took part in EU–USA Summit in Prague on 5 April, immediately after the G-20 Summit in London, which addressed issues of global financial architecture and consequences of the financial crisis, and after the NATO Summit held in Strasbourg and Baden-Baden and Kehll, which engaged in a debate on safety and military cooperation. Politicians discussed the following topics: world economic and financial situation, climate changes and energy security, rity, regional issues issue such as peace in the Middle East, expansion of the police train training capacities inn Afghanistan, etc. Czech Presidency will hold three important summits in Prague in early May Czec zech Presidency in cooperation on with Sweden andd Spain Sp i calls Spa a soc ocial summit meeting on 7th May inviting European social s partner ers and representatives of the business usines sector. In the afternoonof the same day Eastern Partnership afternoon tners Summit of the EU-27 and representatives of the Eastern rn Partnership countries will take place. On 8th of May a meeting “Southern “ Corridor – New Silk Road” summit of the EU Troika, the European Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council with representatives of the Southern Corridor countries will take place. Informal Meeting of Ministers for Education Ministers responsible for education discussed the impacts of the economic downturn on education and new strategic framework of cooperation in the field of education. Minister Liška pointed out cooperation between employers and educational institutions is off great mutuall bbenefif its andd shhould ld focus on an indi i divid iduall andd his employability and self development. Business was represented by Leif Johansson, president of AB Volvo. The meeting took a place in Prague on 22 and 23 March 2009. The new Czech Prime Minister has been appointed Czech President Václav Klaus appointed non-party Jan Fischer the new prime minister at April 9, ending a political crisis that toppled the minority centre-right cabinet and undermined the country’s EU presidency. Meanwhile, the Czech upper house is
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expected to vote on the bloc’s Lisbon Treaty by early May. Fischer is expected lead the country to an early election planned for October. The new administration will consist largely of non-party experts. On the international side, Fischer will host the June EU summit.
LETS TALK IN NUMBERS Euro area GDP down by 1.6% and EU27 GDP down by 1.5% The second estimates for the fourth quarter of 2008 shows thatt Euro th E area GDP ffellll by 1.6% 1 6% andd EU2 EU277 GGDP DP by 1.5% 1 5% comparedd with the previous quarter, according to second estimates from Eurostat. In the third quarter of 2008, growth rates were –0.3% in both zones. Among the main partners of the EU, GDP decreased by 1.6% in the US in the fourth quarter of 2008 (–0.1% in the previous quarter). In Japan, GDP fell by 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2008 (–0.4% in the previous quarter). Euro area unemployment up to 8.5% EU-27 up to 7.9% The euro area seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 8.5% in February 2009, compared with 8.3% in January. It was 7.2% in February 2008. The EU27 unemployment rate was 7.9% in February 2009, compared with 7.7% in January. It was 6.8% in February 2008. Eurostat estimates that 19.156 million men and women in the EU-27, of which 13.486 million were in the euro area, were unemployed in February 2009. Compared with January, thee number of persons unemployed increased by 478 000 in the EU-2 EU-27 and by 319 000 in the euro area. Compared with February ruaryy 2008 20 , unemployment went up by 3.019 million in the EU-27 andd bby 2.125 million in the euro area. Among the Member States, thhe lowest unemployment rate was recorded in the Netherlands nds (2.7%), and the highest rates in Spain (15.5%), Latvia (14.4%) an and Lithuania (13.7%). EU Enlargement Pays Off High-level conference on “EU Enlargement – Five Years After“ organized in Prague by the Czech Presidency in cooperation with the European Commission, discussed the benefits of the enlargement gem ent to finan financia ciall sstab tabili ility ty, the the internal inte interna rnall mar m mark arket et and th thee mobi mobilit lityy of labour force within the EU. The latest data from Eurostat show, for example, that after thee enlargement exports ex from the EU-15 to the new Member States rose ose by EUR 121.17 12 billion to EUR 268.93 billion in 2008. In the twelve welve ne nneww Mem Member States, the GDP grew on average by 1.755 percenta ntage ge poi points nts every ev evee year. According to the report, the enlargement added addded 0.5 0 perc percentage points of GDP growth annually in each old Member Me State, on average. EU budget estimates spot on In 2008, Member States’ Sta contributions to the European Union budget almost exactly l matched agreed spending for the year. With just over 1.5% of the overall EU budget unspent, the high implementation rate of funds has left another record low surplus, reflecting effective budgetary management and ongoing efforts onlyy t o call on Member States for ppayme y nts that are strictlyy necessary. The end-of-year surplus – the difference between all EU budget revenue and spending – amounted to € 1.79bn of the total € 115.771bn budget in 2008 and will be returned to Member States. This 1.5% compares to 16% in 2001, when the EU budget surplus was at its peak. Financial management reforms introduced over the past years have seen budget surpluses fall dramatically by 90% since 2001.
Business News brought by CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU, www.cebre.cz
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EU matters
Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) © OECD/IEA, 2007
WE’RE CALLING FOR A CLEAN ENERGY NEW DEAL EU_matters.indd 100
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An interview with Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director off the th International Energy Agency (IEA) Nobuo Tanaka, executive director of the Internatio International Energy Agency (IEA), urged world governments to ensure that stimulus packages aimed at restoring growth also embrace low-carbon technologies. He spoke to EurActiv in an exclusive interview ahead of the European Business Summit, which was opened 26 March in Brussels. Nobuo Tanaka became executive utive dire director of the IEA on 1 September 2007. The International Energy Agency estimates that investment in energy on the supply side will require $26 trillion up to 2030. Can such a huge amount be expected to come only from the private sector? Is public money also necessary for some key infrastructure projects such as the Nabucco pipeline project? Financial resources at a global level evel are sufficient sufficien to finance this projected energy investment, estment, though thoug the conditions need to be right. More of the capital needed for energy proj projects in the future will have to come from private sources than in thee pa th past st, as tthe here re hhas as aalrlrea ready eady dy been bbee ee a ma mark marked rked ed tren ttrrend nd aawa wayy from financing energy investments ts from fro public budgets. Many governments have privatised tise energy businesses, both to raise money and to limit mi the future call on the public budget, and have opened up their markets to foreign involvement. Nevertheless, there will always remain a role for public money in the energy sector – particularly to develop projects needed to meet energy security and environmental objectives. Are investment conditions today conducive to achieve such huge levels of investment? More important than the ab absolute amount of finance available worldwide, rldwide, or even locally, lo is the question of whether conditions in the energy sector are right to attract the necessaryy capital. capi Most investors req require a return related to their perceived risk. If theyy do not see that being achieved in the energy sector, they will invest elsewhere. The risks faced by investors in energy projects are formidable and are changing. Those risks, which include those of a geological, technical, cal, geopolitical, geopolitica market, fiscal and regulatory nature, vary ary by fuel, by the stage of t e fuuel th e cchaain in qu ques estiton aandd by region. n. Buut th t e en ener ergy gy sector has, in most cases, s, been able to mobilise the required financing in the past. It will be able tto do so in the future only if financing mechanisms hanisms are in place, investment returns are high enough ough and investment condiou tions are appealing. Given the need to ‘decarbonise’ the global energy system by 2050, is there a danger that those investments will not be made or that cheaper but more polluting sources of energy, such as coal, will be preferred over clean technologies? How does the ongoing financial turmoil change the situation? The current credit crunch, along with lower energy prices, could give a boost to coal and gas supply investment in the power generation sector, which would put us on a higher emissions trajectory than would otherwise have been the case. The reason for this is that reduced credit access makes capital-intensive projects, such as nuclear and renewables, more difficult to finance, and lower energy prices make fossil-fuel power generation more competitive in comparison. However, both the lower prices and the credit crunch are expected to be temporary, hence investments should be made with the longer-term in mind. One of the biggest
dangers ers is that the long lifetimes of energy stock (e.g. power plants have a lifetime of 60 years) means that the consequences of investment decisions made today will bee with us for maanyy yea earss to co comee. Over half of those energy investments are needed in power generation to meet the growth expectations of populations mainly in the developing world. Have developing countries adopted the right policies? In most developing countries, power sector investment needs to rise well above current levels if we are to meet economic growth, environmental and social develo ve lopm pmen entt go goal alss. The uncertainty about whether developing countries will be able to mobilise this level of investment is significant, particularly for Africa and India. Overcoming the various obstacles will require significant efforts of restructuring and reform in the electricity sector and elsewhere. A major challenge will be to make tariff structures more cost-reflective. How can industrialised countries help? In many developing countries, where power utilities are often state-owned and revenue collection is insufficient, investment capital typically has to come from the government and in the form of loans from multilateral lending agencies. But there is now a growing tendency for developing countries to increasingly look to attract some private sector investment – either from industrialised countries or from domestic sources – to meet part of their needs. Attracting private investment can be challenging. The private sector, while in principle welcoming business opportunities in rapidly growing developing economies, will respond only if it perceives a sufficiently stable and adequate legal framework and can expect returns high enou en ough g ttoo co comp mpen ensa sate te for or tthee risskss. Another way that industrialised countriess can assist developing countries is by sharing the lessons ons learned – both good and bad – during liberalisation of our power markets. In particular, p we can outline the he issues that th are most critical cr for successful electricity ctricity market libelib ralisation on and for the need to understand nderstand that it is a long process w which requires strong on-going ng go government involvement nt and commitment. Today, there is no genuine international governance framework for energy policy, with issues usually dealt with on a bilateral basis. What are your recommendations to strengthen international cooperation on energy? There is a clear need to design a global framework for energy policy. Perhaps the best demonstration of this is that even if all OECD member countries were to reduce their CO2 emissions to zero by 2030, we would still not be on a path that adequately addresses climate change – unless non-OECD countries were also to reduce their emissions from current trends. Another example is that – with the vast majority of energy demand growth to come from IEA non-member countries in the coming decades – IEA member countries must work with non-members to address energy security,
in light of the interconnectedness of global markets. The IEA can and must remain at the centre of such a global dialogue. Thee IEA is the onlyy inte ternat ationaal en e er e gy orggan a isat ation with expertise across the entire energy field. We have a philosophy of open markets and diversity of supply. We have a reputation for objective and independent analysis. And we provide a range of fora in which governments – both IEA and non-IEA, as well as researchers and industry experts, can come together to solve common problems in a practical and co-operative environment. China today represents the fastest growth in energy demand across the world and will soon be the largest energy consumer globally. Do you plan to invite China to join the IEA? The IEA has strong links with China, alongside the bilateral relationships that our member countries have with China. Due to China’s increasingly key role in global energy markets, we are extremely interested in contin ontinuing to work closely and further build co-operation, when conditions permit. The first condition would of course be China’s desire to join the IEA. In addition, the IEA has certain criteria that would have to be worked through. These include emergency oil stocks that member countries are required to have and also the need to amend the IEA’s treaty (currently only OECD member countries may join the IEA). The IEA was established in the wake of the oil crisis in the 1970s. What lessons have been learned since, as we now seem to be in a deeper crisis? The 1970s crisis wass partly the resu result of an oil embargo, a situation that led to the IEA’s creatio creation. Today’s crisis is somewhat differentt from that of the 11970s. Currently, there is a temporary period riod of surplus in the oil market, butt we sshooul bu u d no nott be ccom ompl om p ac acen ent.t. Inves estm tmen entt ne need edss to be sustained through the h current crisis to meet renewed demand growth in the future. Founded during the oil crisis of 1973–1974, the IEA’s initial role was to coordinate measures in times of oil supply emergencies, like Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Since the 1970s, energy markets have changed and so has the IEA. Today, the IEA’s mandate includes the ‘three E’s’ of balanced energy policymaking: energy security, economic development and environmental protection. This mandate encompasses a number of areas: guidance on good energy policy design, collecting and analysing global energy statistics and undertaking key analysis on the world’s oil markets. Our core mission – helping governments to support their economies with secure, environmentally accep energy – is all the more valid today due to the financial crisis. We have been urging governments worldwide to ensure that stimulus packages embrace low carbon technologies, what we are calling a ‘clean energy new deal’. Published: Wednesday 25 March 2009 Source: EurActiv.cz I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
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EU matters
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
WELCOME RECEPTION, 16. 4. at TOP HOTEL PRAGUE From left: Ray Collins, Communications, Cooperatives Europe, Mrs. Maria Mina, Economic Research Department, Co-operative, Central Bank Ltd and Jiří Svoboda, Executive Director, Cooperative Association of the Czech Republic
INTERNATIONAL EUROPEAN CONFERENCE on Social Economy and Social Entreprise
From left: Rainer Schlüter, Director of Cooperatives Europe, Mrs. Agnés Mathis, Deputy Director of Cooperatives Europe and Jan Wiesner, President of the Union of Czech Production Cooperatives (SČMVD)
From left: Durmish Guri, Exexutive Officer of GLE, Ms. Lucie Brančíková and Philippe Biongolo
Ettiene Pflimlin, President of Credit Mutuel
From left: PhDr. Dušan Čechvala, Division of President, European Union Matters, Metrostav, a.s., Mrs. Daniela Tillová, Cooperative Association of the Czech Republic and David Orr, President of CECODHAS
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From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Ing. Ivana Horáková, Court Translator and Jan Wiesner, President of the Union of Czech Production Cooperatives (SČMVD)
13.5.2009 19:50:39
Dear friends, this conference is taking place in Prague during the period of the Czech Republic’s Presidency of the Council of the EU and during the period of an impending global economic crisis. Its realisation is the result of cooperation between the French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies, which will form the basis for the subsequent Spanish presidency. This configuration, together with a breakdown in the very fundamental values of the global economy, provide a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to further and achieve recognition for the values of the social economy, which all these countries have a history of bearing. Activities to date and successful steps by the primary representatives of social economy and enterprise in Europe and beyond have brought us inexorably toward a strengthening of the position, the visibility, and the recognition of this theoretical and practical movement of civilised human society. It is a ray of hope for those disadvantaged on the labour market, for strengthening the economic development of civic society, and for local and regional development. We do not only perceive the current crisis as a threat which governments should react to with specific expressions of support, but also as an opportunity for the current and future bearers of innovative and creative socio-economic business plans. Taking part in the conference, aside from authorities on the subject, will be a whole range of representatives from political, scholarly and citizen groups, associations and organizations, which will guarantee the high quality of proceedings.
CONFERENCE FRIDAY, 17. 4. AT TOP HOTEL PRAGUE
Jan Wiesner, President of the Union of Czech Production Cooperatives (SČMVD) in his welcoming speech
Michael Kocáb, Minister for Human Rights and National Minorities
Mrs. Pauline Green, Co-President of Cooperatives Europe
Cyril Svoboda, former Minister for Regional Development
Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
Petr Nečas, former Deputy Prime Minister of Czech Republic and former Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
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H.E. Catherine von Heidenstam, Ambassador of Sweden
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EU matters
The arrival of a new US administration is an opportunity for giving a fresh impetus to EU-US relations which are more important than ever. We need a strong transatlantic partnership based on politics of principles and common values. The Prague meeting allowed for a first political contact between the EU leaders collectively and the new President. There was exchange of views on the most pressing and strategic issues of the day. The EU and the US will revert to these and other issues at their regular June summit.
From left: Barack Obama, President of the United States and Václav Havel, last President of Czechoslovakia and the first President of the Czech Republic
SUMMIT EU – USA IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
From left: Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Barack Obama, President of the United States, Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and Alexandr Vondra, former Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs
13.5.2009 19:54:53
First row from the left: Barack Obama, President of the United States, Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic
From left: Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Karel Schwarzenberg, Czech former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Barack Obama, President of the United States
From left: Barack Obama, President of the United States and Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
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Barack Obama, President of the United States
From left: Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister of Sweden and Barack Obama, President of the United States
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Source: www.eu2009.cz
13.5.2009 19:55:26
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
EU matters
From left: José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, John Defterios, CNN’s Market Place Middle East, Alexandr Vondra, former Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Czech Republic and Ernest-Antonie Selliére, President of BUSINESSEUROPE
Dare and Care
EUROPEAN BUSINESS SUMMIT The 7th European Business Summit took the place in Brussels on 26th and 27th March 2009. The theme of this year summit was “Dare and Care: sustaining Europe’s ambitions – Financing, Staffing and Greening”. The main idea of the summit was to discuss and find ways in which Europe can combine entrepreneurship and, at the same time, remain socially conscious. More than 100 high level speakers from politics, businesses and academic sphere discussed with almost 3000 participants topics such as energy and climate, education and skilling, ageing, research and innovation and sustainability in 15 workshops and 3 plenary sessions. The 7th European Business Summit welcomed some of the toplevel European politicians - name for all: Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, Czech Vice-Prime Minister Alexandr Vondra as a head of EU Council or the President of Turkey Abdullah Gül. There were 13 EU Commissioners in total participating in the different debates, which is a record for European Business Summit in its history. more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
H.E. Abdullah Dül, President of Turkey
From left: Jaroslav Mil, President of Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic
Jakub Dürr, Deputy Minister of Education, Czech Republic
From left: Björn Stigson, President of World Business Forum for Sustainable Development, Thomas Leysen, President of Federation of Enterprises in Belgium, Jakub Dürr, Czech Deputy Minister of Education, John Defterios, CNN’s Market Place Middle East, Philippe de Buck, Director general of BUSINESSEUROPE and Mark Spelman, Global Head of Strategy ACCENTURE and Chair of Executive Council of AmCham EU
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PRESIDENCY CONFERENCE
ON FOOD RESEARCH
TO ENHANCE FOOD SAFETY From left: Timothy Hall, European Commission, DirectorateGeneral for Research (Biotechnologies, Agriculture, Food) and Petr Gandalovič, former Minister of Agriculture
This international rn conference presents the most recent results of Food Research in Support Science-Based Regulations, aimed to ensure the quality and safety of foodstuffs. Held under the auspices pices of th the Presidency on 21–22 April, thee conference was w jointly organised by thee Czech Agriculture M Ministry, the Institute of Chemical al Technology Tec in Prague and the European Food od Safety Authority. “EEur urop opea eann ci cititize zens nss hhav avee th thee ririgh ghtt to eexp xpec ectt a high level of food safety and animal and plant health provision within the EU.. Community legislation meets these high standards thanks to individual farm-to-fork measuress while supporting efficient functioning of thee internal market”, said the Czech Agriculture Minister Petr Gandalovič. For the Czech Presidency, issues of public health and food quality and safety are of priority importance. “Independent science is and will continue to be b cruciialllly important in thhe regulati l ion off food and feed. As the crises in the 1990s have shown, this is the only way we can effectively protect consumers. Although it is neither a research organisation nor a legislator, EFSA plays a crucial role in the regulatory framework related to European food and feed safety,”
said Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle, executive Director of EFSA. “The Czech Republic pays much attention to all stages of primary agricultural production, product processing and distribution,” said the Deputy of the Commodities Section of the Czech Agriculture Ministry, Stanislav s Kozák. “Community legislation provides for or a co complex mplex p food safety fety scheme which covers rs the entire enti food production prod chain from primary agriculagr tural ppr prod oduc uctition on to to co cons nsum umee Responsibil umers. bililitityy for foo ood safety lies with all the he links’ of th the chain – producers themselves, s, ddistributors, those who sell agricultural andd food f products as well as consumers,” added the Deputy. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of the European Union (EU) risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, EFSA provides independent sciientififiic addviice andd clear l communiicatiion on existing and emerging risks. The Czech Republic cooperates closely with EFSA via the Food Safety Department which is part of the Food Production Section – Food Authority – of the Czech Ministry of Agriculture. Today, the Czech Republic has 19 institutions ready to partici-
pate in EFSA projects. Czech representatives are also active in the EFSA Management Board and Advisory Forum. Nowadays, EFSA cooperates with fifty Czech experts specialised in various fields. Director General of the Food Production Section František Sládek welcomes the creation of “Focal Points” – coordination centres in the EU Member States that are aimed to encourage g th the Member b S Stt attes’’ actitivitity andd hellp obbtain unified outputs for risk assessment that at EFSA will be able to use. In the Czech Republic, public, the coordination centre for the cooperation with EFSA has been established at the Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Agri-culture. “The main task of the coordination centre is to help the representatives of the Advisory Forum collect and transfer information between EFSA and relevant bodies in the Czec Cz echh Re Repu publ blic ic,” eexp xpla plained ain ined ed D Dir Direc i ec ecto torr Sl Slád ádek ek. “Depending on the requirements requiremen in question, the coordination centre ntre coop cooperates with other ministries andd authorities authorities, s, su sur surveillance rv organisations, professional rofessional associations associat and research institutionss operating ope in the area of risk assessment related ed to food and feed safety, animal and plantt health, animal welfare and animal nutrition.” EFSA’s action at European level is paralleled by scientific committees at national level. Thei Th eirr ta task sk is is to dra draft ft ind indep epen ende dent nt sci scien entitifificc opinions and proposals for measures to ensure safety standards throughout the food production chain. In cooperation with relevant public authorities, they assess risks and provide the public with verified and comprehensible information. In the Czech Republic, the scientific committees were set up in 2002 and are made up of leading experts in their respective fields. Three committees (for Phytosanitary Tasks and Environment, for Veterinary Tasks and for Aniimall N Nutriition) i ) were est abli blishhedd bby the h Mi Ministry of Agriculture, the fourth one (Scientific Committee for Foodstuffs) was founded by the Ministry of Health. Most recently, the Committee for Genetically Modified Food and Feed was set up by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2006. I
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EU matters
Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
BRUSSELS FORUM 2009 Brussels Forum, the premier annual conference of the transatlantic relationship, took place March 20–22 in Brussels. Brussels Forum, organized by the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), brings together politicians, policymakers, scholars, business leaders, and media representatives for high-level discussions on press transatlantic issues, including the financial crisis, Russia, and Afghanistan. GMF was joined by several major partners including the Czech EU Presidency, the Federal Authorities of Belgium, and Daimler. Among the dignitaries who participated in Brussels Forum were Czech former Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, European Council High Representative Javier Solana, World Bank President Robert Zoellick, U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke, U.S. Senator John McCain, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, and Czech former Foreign Minister Alexandr Vondra. Video, audio, and transcripts of Brussels Forum sessions are available in their entirety at www.brusselsforum.org, along with a series of Brussels Forum papers written by prominent policy professionals.
Photos: Gaetan Miclotte Source: The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF)
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From left: Steven Erlanger, The New York Times Paris Bureau Chief and Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank
13.5.2009 19:56:49
From left: Valdis Zatlers, President, Republic of Latvia and Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia
Alexandr Vondra, former Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Czech Republic
Richard Holbrooke, Special Representative for Afganistan and Pakistan, U.S. Department of State
Mrs. Ellen Tauscher, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and Peter MacKay, Minister of Defence, Canada
Javier Solana, 1st European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Craig Kennedy, President of the German Marshall Fund
Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russia
John McCain, Member of the U.S. Senate
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Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission
Herman van Rompuy, Prime Minister of Belgium
Brussels Forum conference room
13.5.2009 19:57:20
OBAMA ASKS FOR EU SUPPORT IN PRAGUE DURING THE EU-US SUMMIT IN PRAGUE k Ob support for closer cooperation tio with the EU and a “ss tr tron ongg Eu Euro rope pe”. His His wor words ds spa spark rked ed the t he hop hopee among the EU’s leaders that they would see the European-American partnership “allow us to continue with the globalization process in line with our values,” according to the head of the European Commission, José Manuel uel Barroso. Du During hisspeech in Prague, Obama called lled for the pr prevention of further nuclear proliferation on and for the t nuclear disarmament; but, in hiss talks with EEU leaders, he tended to focus on issues, ssues, which until re recently were a subject of dispute te between the two po powers. These issues incl in clud uded ed sup suppo port rtt forr tra trade de as as we wellll as as th thee fifigh ghtt ag agai ains nstt climate change.. Among A the joint actions the two parties agreed to t was the pre-paration of a common position for the upcoming global climate conference in Copenhagen, where an agreement is to be reached on a replacement for the t Kyoto yoto Protocol. The Czech EU Presidency hadd chosen ene energy er security as one of the topics to be discussed discusse during the meeting. Obama on thee other hand tried t to use the Prague Summit as an opportunity to gai gain EU support for the ongoing military action tion in Afghanis Afghanistan and the fight against terrorism. Hee also als announced that the US detenti t tion facil f ilitity att Gua G ntá t ánamo, Cuba b would ld be closed by January 22, 2010. A Test for the EU – and the US Obama’s attendance at this special summit can be taken as a sign of America’s interest in working together with all of the EU, and not just its most powerful members. However, only such controversial issues as EU help in Afghanistan and working together in the fight against climate change will actually show how realistic this partnership really is and what its limits are. It will be a crucial test forr bo fo both th ppar artities es.
COMMISSION PUSHING FOR A REDUCTION IN PAYMENT CARD FEES The European Commission has sent in a complaint about excessive fees to the Visa, which has issued about 36 % of all of the credit and debit cards in the
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European Economic Area (EEA), which, besides the European Union member states, also includes Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein. The Commission claims that it has come to a “preliminary conclusion” that Visa has violated the EU’s comppetition rules and that the level of its fees “inflate the cost of payment card acceptance for merchants and ultimately increase consumer prices” for crossborder transactions within the EEA. According to the complaint, this problem is also affecting certain member states in which Visa directly sets the size of the fee. Merchants have to pay a fee to the card issuer for every transaction made using their cards, which then impacts the prices charged the customer. The level of these fees also has an impact on those consumers who do not pay with a card. Visa claims that the Commission’s allegations are based on an older charging model, which is no longer being used. The company said that it is now following new rules. According to the Commission, this newer model still fails to address all of the antitrust issues involved. The action taken against Visa has come shortly after its number one competitor, MasterCard, was forced to agree to an arrangement to reduce its own fees. This new arrangement could lead ea to up to an 84 % reduction in card fees and MasterCard plans to appeal app p the decision. In 2006, 06, payment paymen cards rdds were w e use usedd fo forr 27 bbilillilion on tra trans nsa sactions in the EEA worth rth a total turnover of 1.6 .6 trillion t euros. Even Small Numbers Can Add Up Visa char charges a fee equal to 0.61 % for fo a transactition made using its card. In the past, as MasterCard had been charging a comparable fee of from 0.8 to 1.0 %; and, under the new arrangement, it is to reduce it to 0.3 %. These fractions of a percent might seem insignificant until one realizes that considering the frequency and increasing popularity of the cards use, even a small reduction in the level of feees can translaate intoo a di d fference of billioons of euros. Now that the EU has started to act in this area, it should also make sure that any reduction in these fees is reflected in thefinal pricing of goods and services.
EUROPOL: SEPARATISM IS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF TERRORISM Last year, a total of 515 terrorist attacks were either plotted or carried out in the EU – a number repr re pres esen entiting ng a 23 23 % de decr crea ease se ove overr 20 2007 07. Mo Most st of of these terrorist activities were the work of separatists, who were responsible for 397 of the identified incidents, while 28 of the plotted edd or o carried out terrorist acts were the work of left wing extremists; and, 10 incidents were carried out by animal rights or environmental activists. Most of the separatists’ terrorist acts were planned or carried out in France or Spain, where certain groups are seeking the independence of the Basque region and Corsica. Only one of last year’s atta at tack ckss, tthe he oone ne aatt a re rest stau staurant aura rant nt in in th thee Br Brititis ishh ci city ty of Exeter, was the workk of Islamic ffundamentalists. At the same time, authorities in the EU have arrested at least 187 persons su suspected of Islamic terrorist activities. vities. Seven ven EU countries were the target of terrorist plots or atta attacks last year. Besides France and Spain, Spain these included Britain, Ireland, Italy, Austriaa and an Greece. This data was included in a report rreleased by Europol, a European police agency. Terrorism with Domestic Roots In tthee m middst oof th t e pa panicc ca caus used ed by th t e Isslaamicc terror attacks in New York, Madrid and London, one tends to forget that in Europe, terrorism has its own deep local roots. Although Europol’s recent report also warns against Islamic fundamentalists, its statistics clearly show that what the Europeans really need to watch out for is something more domestically inspired.
europlatform
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From left: Mrs. Joelle Milquet, Federal Minister of Employment, Belgium, Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, H.E. Vladimír Müller, Czech Ambassador to the Belgian Kingdom, Jørgen Rønnest, Chairman of Social Affairs Committee, BUSINESSEUROPE
EU matters
LIMITS TO LABOUR Market Mobility doesn’t Help EU Competitiveness, on the Contrary!
High level panel discussed the impact of transitional periods applied to free movement of workers by some Member States concluding that such restrictions are of political rather than economic nature. The debate was opened by Czech Ambassador H.E. Vladimír MÜLLER, who stressed out the bare share of Czechs on Belgian economic migration. Belgian federal Minister for Employment Joelle MILQUET explained to the participants the data Belgian position is based on – increasing unemployment and difficult political situation with strong opposition in some regions. European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Vladimír ŠPIDLA challenged the existing restrictions to worker’s mobility within the EU, which the European Commission finds contra productive, in the light of the favourable results of referendum in Switzerland to open labour market to Bulgarian and Romanian citizens. Czech Deputy Minister for Employment and Social Affairs Michal SEDLÁČEK presented respective Czech Presidency priority – to remove all restrictions to labour market mobility – and shared the outcomes of the discussions of EU employment ministers during informal EPSCO meeting in Luhačovice (CZ) and during last EPSCO meeting in Brussels. Member of the European Parliament’s Employment Committee Milan CABRNOCH addressed the topic from yet a different angle: “How should we as politicians explain to citizens such restrictions during our parliamentary campaigns if there are no reasons in favour?” Representative of European employers, Jorgen RONNEST, Chairman of BUSINESSEUROPE Social Affairs Committee, challenged the plans of most of the Member States to remain and subsidise employment in the times of economic downturn. “We have to be more ambitious regardless the crisis.” said RONNEST. In the following discussion, the topic of economic migration was tackled from a broader perspective including migrants from third states, challenge of attracting qualified migrants as well as the question of flexibility and sustainability of such migration. The round was organised by CEBRE and the Embassy of the Czech Republic to Belgium at the Czech Centre in Brussels on 18th March 2009. In reaction to business needs and political pressure, from May 2009 Belgium opened its labour market to workers for new EU Member States.
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All together
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BORDEAUX 2008 WAITING FOR THE REDUCTION OF PRICES???
In view of the global crisis the prices of wines should fall (at last!) dramatically, including the top wines. For the educated enlightened lovers of select wines there might be a good opportunity to replenish their cellars for reasonable prices and the existential question: “To buy or not to buy” reacches its full historical importance. The huge increase of prices of the wines from Bordeaux in the last years (and also from other regions) seems to have ended and in general, their substantial price reducction is expected.
FOOLISH PRICES “Foo “F oolilshh pri r ce c s” s sho houl u d be ul b “moodi d fiieedd” an andd theirr re thei redu duucttio i n inn rrel e at el atio ioon too the h pre revi viou vi ouss ou year ye arss iss exppecte ecc te t d at at the lev e ell of 30 3 % and andd more mo ree. It is almo allmosst st inc n re nc redi dibl blee ho h w th t e sp spiririraal
ggrow row o th of pr pric iccess for ssel ellec ectt Fr Fren ench ch win ines ess iinn gene ge nera rall an andd Bo Borddea eaux ux eesp spec sp ecia ec iallllyy “g ia “got ot int intoo fu fulllll swin sw ing” in thhe pa past st yea e rs rs.. Fo For innst For s an a ce ce,, th thee fa fa-moous us Cha hate teau te auu LLat a ou o r 20 2001 01 ent nter ered ed thee m mar ar-ar k t at ke at the ppriicee ooff ap a pr p oxx. € 90, 0,–, –, whi h le the v nt vi ntag agee of 200 006, 6, of co comp mpaara arable ablee qua quaalility ty, ty
reeacche h d€4 470 70,– , for a bot o tltle! e! Nonnet ethhele hele l ss ss,, thee “c th “cup up brriimm mmed ed oove ver” r , cu r” cust stom st omer om erss revo er reevo voltlt ssee andd bu an buyy le less ss,, thhe la ss last st vvin inta taage gess ar aree no nott so sold l ld andd thhe ne an new w 20 2008 08 com omes es to th es thee ma mark rkket unde un derr th de thes esee di es diff ffic ff icul ic ultt ci ul circcum circ mst stan ance an ces. ce s. It is mor oree than th ann prooba babl blee th bl that at mar arke kett pr ke pric ices ic es of th thee la last s st Joseph Drebitko, designated Honorary Member of Saint Emilion wine town
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Famous wine makers and owners of Chateau Figeac, Mr and Mrs Manoncourt visiting Prague with Iva Drebitko
vint vint ntag aggess bbeg eginni ning ng with itth th the yyeear 200 08 willll be re-e re -eva valu va luat lu a ed at ed..
Vintage 2008 It is tr t ue ttha hatt wi ha w ne ness of o 2 200 008 8 haave nnot o beeen ot boott ttle leed ye yett (t (the heirir mat he atur urat ur atio at ionn in bar io bar arre rels re l wililll ta ls take ke abbou outt 16 6 mon onth ths) th s) but u the iint nter nt eres er esst ce ceas ases as es and ther th eree were weere r les e s th than an thee usu sual al 500 000 0 pr prof ofes of es-es sion si onal on alss in Bor al orde deau de a x at the au he ttas astititing ng.. Itt s quali ng ual ty ua Map of Bordeaux wine regions
stililll re st rema m in ma inss a bi bigg quues e tition o . Th on Thee wi wine ne m mak a err s ak them th emse seelv lves es ssta tate te ttha hatt th thee vi vint ntag agee 20 008 0 wililll nott be ““ex no extr trao aord rdin inar ary” y” but u it is i a “go “ggoood cen entr en tre” tr e, a me medi dioc ocre re vvin inta t ge is exxpe ta pect c edd w wititithh ceert rtai an ai qual qu alititie iess lilike ke ffre resh shne neess s s and tthe hee pos ossi s bi si bililility ty ooff long lo ng ddev evel elop oppmeentt. A a res As esul ultt of o the uns nsol old st stoock ooff th thee m meeedi diodi o cree vi cr vint ntt agges e 2 200 007 00 7 an andd 20 006 tthe hhee winne sell seeller erss willlll mod wi odififf y the thhe pr p ic ices es ooff thhes esee ye year arr s, ttoo oo.. Al Also soo thee prric th ices ess ooff th t iss yyea ear’r’ss “p “pre remi mier erss c uuss” arre ex cr expe pect ctted e wititht hten ensi en sion o . on Thee wi Th w ne ddea eale lers rs dirrec ectt th thee tend teendden e cies ci es on thhe maarkket e aand n are rres nd espo pons nsiiblee fo bl forr th thee di d sp sproopo p rt rtio ioona nate te inc ncre reas asee of pririce ice c s peerf rfor orrmeed in a “po p ke kerr pl play ayerr s’ s ” st styl y e du yl duririring ngg tthe hee reccen entt ye year ars. s IInn thhe pr p os ospe pero rous ro us tim me off sev ever eral al yyea ears rss t is sty th tyle lee of acti acc titon on wor orke k d an ke andd wa wass fullllyy us fu used ed. Ev E er eryy wi w ne maker aker ak e ssay ayss th that at h s pr hi p ic ices es wer eree al a waays y lleg egitititim eg im mat a e an andd reeflflec ecte tedd pr te p op o or tition onal on ally ly tthe he ooff ffer ff e ed er qual qu allitt y of o the h givven vin inta t ge aand ta nd tha hatt even ev enn thi hiss ye year ar tthe here he r iiss no rrea re eaaso sonn fo f r the re the r du duct cttio ionn of ppririce ces. s T hiis “hhac a kk neye ne yeed” d arg rgum um men enta t atititon use sedd foor a lo long ngg tit me aand n alway nd lw way a s in one way a i.ee. in the s ns se n e of the iinc ncre reas asee off priricees iss noonnas viab vi a lee at pr ab pres esseennt. t Thhe curreent eco co nom no mic si mi situ tuat atio at ion, io n, the h out u flow o of As Asiann andd Am an Amer e ic er ican a cus an usto tome mers andd the h unn sold ssto so sold tock to ck of 20 2006 06-2 06 -200 0 7 ma m ke theem u e ha us h rssh an a d in inex exor ex orab a le thinkinng. T e si Th situ t attio tu ionn ca cann fif na n llly tu turn rn iin favo v ur off the h ccus usto us tome mers me rs.. rs
Vintages 2007 and 2006 Vint Vi n ages 2007 an a d 20 2008 08 had ssii-m la mi l r meteeorologgical con o di dititition o s, on s but t e wines di th d ffer and the he winne maakeers d not clearly knoow wh do w y. TThe he win ines ess of
Photos: Archive of autor
20 2 007 7 are ple leas a annt an as andd si simp mple,, reead mp adyy too be c nssum co medd fas aste ter,r, 2 te 200 00 08 ar aree ririch cher ch er iinn ttaann n in andd full an full and w fu willl ma m tu ture re for o a llon onngeer titime me and me nd thee reesuultltss wi th w ll be be bett ttter e . So Some m ooff th me thee “ggrand n crus cr crus us”” of o 20 008 8 ar aree sa said id to to be be abl b e too rrea e ch c inn tteere rest sttin ingg qu q al a ititie ies. s. IItt is how wev everr nec ecces essa saary to t ake ta kee iint ntoo accco counnt the thhe ab abililititt y of o win i e ma make kers rs t ooff to ffer ff er sam amples plles e for ttas astititing ngg acc ccom ompa pani n ed bbyy char ch am ar miing hin i t s on thhe qu in q alit alittiees thhat aare ree nnot ot ttoo be foounnd in tthe he bou ough g t bo gh bott ttle tt les! le s T he vvin s! inta tage ge 2 05 20 05, maarkked by th this is,, de is decl c ar cl ared ed as “e ed “ext x ra xt raor ordi di-naaryy” an andd with ith eexa xagg xa ggger erat ated at ed priice c s wa wass di disa sapppoinntm po tmennt fo forr a loot of spe p ci c al a is ists ts aand ndd bbuy uyer ers. s O thee oth On ther err han andd itt iiss neceess s ar aryy to aadm dmititt ttha hatt c rtai ce ain ai in “C “Cha hateeau ha a x” x of 20 2 05 are eexc xcel elle lent nt aand n nd save sa v the he “baad” d rep eput ep u at ut atio ionn of tthe he nnew ew ““vi vint ntag agee off the hee centu entuury en ry”. ”.. Gen G ner eral ally ly iitt is aagr gree eedd th that at the viintt ag agee of o 200 007 7 iss oove verc rcha harg rged ed aand n a lott ooff nd stockk “w st wel elte ters te rs” inn the ccel rs ella lars rs ooff th t e ne n go goci c an ci ants ts.. ts Moore r oovverr, spec specia ialilist stss ag agre reee tthhat re a apa part rt fro r m s ve se vera raal ex exem e pt em ptio ions ns,, thhe vi v nt n ag agee 20 2007 07 7 willl be b thee fe th feeb eble lest st in thhe laast tenn yeaarrss, si simi milar to the he vint vi nntt ag agee 19 1 97 9 ; it iiss a wiinee of me m di dioc ocre re quality andd wi an willll not ddev evel ev ellopp lat lat a er oon. n T he vvin n. innta tage g 2006 was vi was vict c im to a si ct s mi m lar laar fa fatte, te, thhe sttoc ockk stt ays laarg rgel elyy unnso s ld aand n tthe nd he pririce cess will ce willl cer wi e tainly drop dr op.. Wh op Whyy sh shou ould uld one theen ruush s to bu buyy of the he unce cert r ai rt a n vi vint ntag t agee 20 2008 8? Finaallyy foor thhe titim Fi me bei e ng it co come mess ou outt that foor th t ose whho ha have vee not o repple leni n sh shed ed tthe heirr cel elarss, 20 2 08 may bbee a su suititt ab able le oopp pppor o tuunniity to b y go bu g odd and n suc ucce ceesssfuul ch chat a ea at eaux ux. x If tthe he pric pr ices es do no n t dr d op ssha h rp ha rply ly in re rela l tion ttoo th la thee prev pr evvio ious us yea ears rs,, itt wil rs will illl be mor oree ad adva vant va ntt ag a eo e uss ttoo wai a t fo forr so s me ttim iim me fo forr th t e ce cert rtai ainn de d cr crea eaase o pri of rice cess of ce o the vin inta tage gees 20 2006 06 aand nd 2 200 007 7 an andd too buy a ppro rove ro venn ce ve certt aaiint ntyy foor a mo more re rrea easo sona nabl blee prric ice, e, aass iti see e ms ms.. By Jos osep ephh Dr Drebbittko I česk če skou ouu vver erzi er zi nal alez ezne nete ne te nnaa ww w w w.le lead adder ersm smag a azzinne.cz cz
Lead Le ader ad erss Ma er M ga gazi zine ne IIII II/ 20 2009 099
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sport event
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
SLAVIA – SPARTA AT SYNOT TIP ARENA
114 The Slavia fans
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From left: Petr Doležal, General Director, Member of the Board SK Slavia Praha and Petr Michovský, IM-stav Praha
Ivan Bican and Mrs. Jarmila Bicanová
Jiří Šimáně, Owner of Unimex Group and Mrs. Eva Chmelová, Artist
Radovan Šteiner, Counsellor, Prague City Hall, Miroslav Sklenář, Deputy Executive Director, Prague City Hall and Mrs. Hana Vítková
Chevalier Georg Eckstein and František Veselý Jan Kodeš, legendary Tennis Player
From left: Alexandr Vondra, former Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Czech Republic, Mrs. Monika Bažantová, Vice Chairman Forest Golf Resort Praha a.s. and Vladimír Leška
Rudolf Blažek, 1st Deputy Mayor of Prague City Hall
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
Mrs. Lenka Viková, Canaria Travel and Jiří Kaplan, Travel Servis
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From left: Miloslav Vaněk, ÚZSVM, Martin Červíček, Head of Prague Police and Miroslav Platil, Manager of Football Organisation for Security
18.5.2009 12:37:51
culture event
The rehearsal of Dvořák´s Requiem with the Chief Conductor Jiří Kout, from left: Jennifer O´Loughlin, USA, Soprano, Kateřina Jalovcová, CZ, Alto, Norman Shankle, USA, Tenor and Štefan Kocán, SK, Bass
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
March and April of the Prague
Symphony Orchestra FOK
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During the interval of the concerts of the cycle Music at a Touch the children can play various instruments and talk to the members of the orchestra.
14.5.2009 11:56:57
Maestro Jiří Kout, Chief Conductor, Prague Symphony Orchestra
Barbora Trnčíková and Jan Řezníček, students of the Jan Neruda Music Grammar School, were soloists of the concert for children Music at a Touch which was given on the 28th of March
Photos: Dagmar Kneřová
From left: Ilja Šmíd, Managing Director, Prague Symphony Orchestra, Petri Sakari, Conductor, Alec Band, Manager of Mr. Sakari, Petr Daněk, Programme Manager PSO
Marko Ivanović, Conductor, Francesco Piemontesi, Pianist
Irena Budweiserová, the prominent Czech Soul Singer, at the concert on the 5th of March in the Church of St. Simon and St. Jude
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
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Chamber ensemble Juventus Collegium FOK was founded by younger generation of Prague Symphony Orchestra members. Their first concert was held on the 19th of March in the Church of St. Simon and St. Jude.
18.5.2009 11:31:32
prague castle event
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
From left: PhDr. Lubomír Růžička receiving the award and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic
Jazz at the Castle
with Milcho Quintet
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
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Milcho Leviev – Piano; Vicky Almazidu – Singing Glenn Ferris – Trombone; Michail Yosifov – Trumpet Vesselin Vesselinov – Contrabass 14.5.2009 10:37:40
Milcho Leviev, Pianist, Glenn Ferris, Trombonist, Mrs. Vicky Almazidu, Singer and Mrs. Pavlina Velichkova, Manager of the Band
H.E. Kamel Haj Sassi, Ambassador of Tunisia and his wife Mrs. Vicky Almazidu, Singer and Glenn Ferris, Trombonist
H.E. José Luis Bernal, Ambassador of Mexico (on the right) with his wife and son
H.E. Chikahito Harada, Ambassador of Japan and his wife From left: Markéta Vlachová and Petra Pacl, Fashion TV, Business Director
Christening a new CD by Emil Viklický, from left: Karel Vágner, Multisonic, Emil Viklický, Musician, Zdeněk Pelc, President/CEO Digital Media and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic
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From left: Pedro A. Rey Daly, Minister, Embassy of Peru, his wife Marta and Father Barrajon
H.E. Zainal Abidin Bakar, Ambassador of Malaysia and his wife Sakhiah
Glenn Ferris, Trombonist
Ing. Petra Janů and Miloš Janů, M.Sc. (Econ.), Noble Services, Ltd.
From left: Martin Fojtek, Barbora Bálková, Vít Fojtek, Foreign Affairs Department Analyst, Czech Republic Office of the President and Pavel Tez
From left: Georgi Parvanov, Bulgarian President and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic Mgr. Barbora Polášková, Production, Culture Department, Prague Castle Administration and Emil Viklický
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Jazz at the Castle
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14.5.2009 10:39:21
Brno has the Right Direction Brno has all qualities needed to become a perspective, lively and attractive city for its citizens and visitors. It has an excellent position in the central European area, lures investors with its economic potential, has an expanding industrial zone and a technology park. It offers an outstanding range of educational options: best universities are concentrated in Brno and not to be forgotten is its high concentration of research and development institutions. For decades, Brno used to be renowned for its engineering and textiles industry; in the past, it would even be nicknamed “Manchester of central Europe”, with a trade fair background. But priorities have somewhat changed in the 21st century – while trade fairs are still a flagship of Brno, its “trade mark”, the city now focuses more on the development of science and research, support to knowledgebased economy and advanced domains with high added value, such as biotechnologies, of which namely biomedicine (also known as “life science”), in addition to instrumentation technology and ICT.
Brno has both ambitions and qualities to stand as a friendly city for its citizens, a city offering diversified options for career, housing, medical care and social services, cultural and sporting facilities. All of the above, together with a relatively good living environment, has already made Brno become a good address. Recently, the city has been busy preparing itself for the meeting of ministers responsible for agriculture and fisheries of all 27 EU member countries, which is to take place from 31 May to 2 June 2009. It is a unique opportunity to present and promote Brno and the South Moravian Region in Europe. We know that we have chosen the right direction of development (formulated in the Strategy for Brno) and we are succeeding in enhancing the competitiveness of the city and the region within Europe, which is vital in the challenging times of economic crisis. By Roman Onderka I Mayor of the City of Brno
Photos: Archive
Brno má správný směr Brno má všechny předpoklady pro to, aby se stalo perspektivním, živým a atraktivním městem pro své občany i návštěvníky. Ve středoevropském prostoru má vy nikající polohu, svým ekonomickým potenciálem je zajímavé pro investory, má dobře se rozvíjející průmyslovou zónu a technologický park. Město nabízí výjimečnou škálu vzdělávacích možností: jsou tu soustředěny nejlepší univerzity a nezanedbatelná je i velká koncentrace výzkumných a vývojových ústavů a institucí. Brno bylo desítky let známo zejména díky strojírenskému a textilnímu průmyslu (v minulosti se mu dokonce přezdívalo ,,středoevropský Manchester“) s veletržním zázemím. V 21. století se ale priority trochu změnily – veletrhy jsou nadále symbolem Brna, jeho „obchodní značkou“; nyní se ale město spíše soustředí na rozvoj výzkumu a vědy, podporu znalostní ekonomiky a perspektivních oborů s vyšší přidanou hodnotou,
jako jsou například biotechnologie a z nich zejména biomedicína (tzv. life-science), dále pak přístrojová technika a informační a komunikační technologie. Pro své obyvatele má pak ambice a předpoklady vytvořit přívětivé město, město poskytující různorodé možnosti pracovního uplatnění, bydlení, zdravotních a sociálních služeb a kulturního i sportovního vyžití. To vše, spolu s relativně dobrým životním prostředím, již nyní vytváří z Brna místo s dobrou adresou. Město nyní žije přípravami na zasedání ministrů odpovědných za zemědělství a rybolov všech 27 členských států EU, které se uskuteční od 31. května 2009 do 2. června 2009. Jedná se o jedinečnou příležitost představit a propagovat Brno i Jihomoravský kraj v Evropě. Víme, že jsme zvolili správný směr rozvoje (formulovaný ve Strategii pro Brno) a že se nám daří významně zvyšovat konkurenceschopnost města i regionu v Evropě, což je v nelehkých dobách hospodářské krizee nezbytné. e byt é
Roman Onderka I primátor statutárního města Brna
Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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18.5.2009 13:11:52
An interview with Roman Onderka, the Mayor of the City of Brno and the Vice President of the Social Democratic Party
I AM A TEAM PERSON
You have become a new face in the Social Democratic Party (ČSSD) leadership. How have you convinced your colleagues? This question should be aimed rather at them. One proverb says that a smart man praises horses, a simple-minded a woman
and a foolish himself. So, in general, I think my best ability is to negotiate; I am a team person favouring a broad consensus. Yet, it is still valid that the one who considers oneself superior to others does not stand high anyway. Therefore, when I am watching myself in a mirror sometimes, I am also watching over to see Roman Onderka, nothing more or less. Within the ČSSD you are primarily in charge of the preparation of the municipal elections. Could you reveal what lies behind your achievements in the South Moravian Region? I have been engaged in the municipal politics already for a while to know that without worked off projects, without the ability to negotiate and compromise, without the human attitude one can not perform. I do not consider anybody’s affiliation when completing their mission but rather their abilities to improve living conditions. I consider a gentleman’s agreement and a handshake more than a contract. I act in a straightforward way, directly, without evasion. Revolving around the substance without ever embracing it is not my
style. So, whaat lies behind my achievements? It is possibly thhe ability of explaining to our citizens our goalss and the ability not to fail. What changes do you find of critical importance as the shadow cabinet minister of transport? First of all, I would like to unambiguously depoliticize thhe Ministry of Transport as many projects and investments are submitted not only through the political spectrum but even independentlyy of the minister. These are the long-term projjects. I understand the replacement of the minister Aleš Řebíček by the minister Petr Benndl as the intraparty fight of the Civil Democraatic Party (ODS). As the Minister of Transport I would like to put through the increase of the state subvention into the State Fund of Transsport Infrastructure (SFDI); furthermore, I woould like to increase the safety of transport, andd last but not least I would like to reach much more flexible negotiation on transport policy inn the Chamber of Deputies. In this context, could you reveal your view on the privatization of the Praha-Ruzyně airport?
122 Roman Onderka and Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia
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The airport is a straategic issue for the whole Czech Republic.. The Praha-Ruzyně airport privatization is not a very fortunate choice with regard to seecurity. I would prefer the entry of an investorr creating rather new opportunities of its devvelopment than just a continuation with speeculations about the airport. According to your own words, your key priority still remains the governance of the City of Brno. Could you specify it? I am a very proud Mayor of the City of Brno. Here I entered politics annd have kept learning all from the very basis. IIn this context I comply with the words of Tonny Blair. He once said, in a loose translation, thaat politics is not about meetings or speeches buut it starts with people and concerns friendshipp, art and culture… In the first place, we are paaid representatives of the human race, and onlly then we are Labour Party members. That waas Tony Blair. I am not a type of person longing for political positions but I would rather createe the space for better living. Brno has much to offer and we will simply see… In the Czech EU presidency, particular regions are significantly involved, too. The City of Brno hosts the Meeting of the EU agricultural ministries at the turn of May and June. What can we expect from it? After the visit of the Queen of England, the Meeting of the Central and East European countries presidents, the City of Brno awaits the EU ministries of agrriculture and fishery.
Roman Onderka and Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
This section is essential for many countries, after all, over sixty percent of the EU budget is aimed at the agricultural policy (CAP). It was apparent that the City of Brno and Southern Moravia, growing 92 percent of vine in the Czech Republic, is optimal for the meeting. We anticipate that in the very City of Brno an agreement on the further orientation of the CAP into the future can originate. Do you have time for your hobbies? How do you relax? I tested on myself that once one does not
relax one feels much more stress, pressure and some soul-trouble. Therefore, I try playing squash, tennis; I like going to the theatre, and to concerts. At home, I like re-playing chess matches of the masters and easily thinking in calm and quiet surroundings. It seems to me necessary to reach certain distance from reality and not to take myself too seriously. By Pavlína Holancová I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Photos: Archive
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18.5.2009 10:38:01
anniversary/ gala evening
IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
A prestigious meeting of the leading representatives of Czech Building Faculty VUT Brno and other invited important guests took place at the gala evening on the occasion of the opening of the Building Fairs Brno. Last year the fair celebrated the 80th anniversary of the unique architecture of the Brno Fairs grounds and this year it is connected with another important anniversary – 110 years from the foundation of the Building Faculty VUT Brno. During the evening a discussion on the current situation in building was held, in which Miroslav Zámečník, Jan Mládek, Václav Matyáš and Michal Štefl presented their speeches.
From left: Miroslav Zámečník, Member of National Economic Board of Government and Jan Mládek, Economist, ČSSD
Gala evening of the Building Fairs Brno
Ing. Jiří Škrla, Chief Executive Officer & ViceChairman, BVV a.s., Miloslav Vlček, Deputy of Chamber of Deputies Czech Republic and Prof. Ing. Karel Rais, President, VUT Brno
Mrs. Lucie Výborná, Moderator of the evening and Ing. Jiří Škrla, Chief Executive Officer & Vice-Chairman, BVV, a.s
Ing. Václav Matyáš, President, Association of Bulding Entrepreneurs of the Czech Republic
From left: Ing. Aleš Pohl, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, BVV a.s. and Ing. Michal Štefl, Chairman of the Board &General Director, OHL ŽS
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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
Doc. Ing. Ladislav Štěpánek, CSc, Dean, FASTVUT Brno
15.5.2009 14:28:50
Time cannot be slowed down or stopped, but it can be enjoyed. Thirty-four years ago, I connected my life with trade shows. I have been living an exciting, fruitful and enjoyable life. Many important guests came to congratulate Mr Jiří Škrla on his 60th birthday anniversary. They wanted to wish, in person, their best wishes to one of the most important personalities of the Czech exhibition industry.
60th Birthday of
celebration event Jiří Škrla, Chief Executive Officer & Vice-Chairman, BVV and Mrs. Liběna Rochová, Fashion Designer
The words of one guest exactly captured the opinion of the majority of people who have known Mr Škrla and his life enthusiasm: “… I was surprised to find out that a man of such a vitality, appearance, who exercises a tireless pressure to accelerate the progress of this colossal Brno Exhibition Center, has turned 60 years of age. By far, he does not deserve to reach the age that is said to start “the autumn of human life”. When thanking the well-wishers, Mr Škrla reflected his all-life-long connection with BVV Trade Fairs Brno: “… I had an opportunity to celebrate here my 30th, 40th, 50th, and now even the 60th birthday. I have spent a wonderful time with exhibitions; I was lucky and privileged to meet a many great people. Looking back, on the occasion of my 60th birthday, summing up the course of my life, I can say that I have always lived the way I wanted. My credo has always been: Politeness, hard work, and good humour; and this is my recipe for success…”
Jiří Škrla, CEO, BVV Trade Fairs Brno
From left: Jindřich Forejt, Director of the Protocol, Office of the President of the Czech Republic and Jiří Škrla, Chief Executive Officer & Vice-Chairman, BVV
From left: Jiří Škrla, Chief Executive Officer & Vice-Chairman, BVV and Jaromír Drábek, Chairman, ICC Czech Republic
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
From left: Pavel Kafka, Chief Executive Officer & General Director, Siemens s.r.o. and Valentin Girstl, President GiTy, a.s. with his wife Olga
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From left: H.E. Vladimír Galuška, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Slovakia, H.E. Jan Koukal, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Austria and Jiří Škrla, Chief Executive Officer & Vice-Chairman, BVV
15.5.2009 14:29:24
Prof. MUDr. Pavel Kuchyňka, PhD Head of the Department of Ophthalmology of the Faculty Hospital Královské Vinohrady Photo: Paul Pacey
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An interview with Professor MUDr. Pavel Kuchyňka, PhD, the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology of the Faculty Hospital Královské Vinohrady
I SEE THE MAJOR IMPORTANCE in Prevention, Therapy and Completely
NEW WAYS OF MEDICINE
Professor MUDr. Pavel Kuchyňka, PhD, started working at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Faculty Hospital Královské Vinohrady (FNKV) in 1974, after graduation at the Medical Faculty of the Charles University. After acquiring the second attestation in 1981 he has worked as the head physician at the Department of Ophthalmology of the FKNV. He obtained the PhD title in 1984 for a work concerning histopathology of the front eyeball segment. He has been the head of the Department of Ophthalmology of the FNKV since 1991 and in 1994 was appointed Professor of the Eye Medicine. He works also at the Clinic – Oční centrum Praha a. s. Professor Kuchyňka is a member of and holds significant posts in international organizations, companies and bodies of editors and he is the author of several scientific publications. What attracted you most in ophthalmology when you were selecting your professional career? Everybody has possibly their plans after graduation from the faculty of medicine, yet life changes them. Initially, I wanted to do internal medicine but I started my work at the Department of the X ray Diagnostic X-ray Diagnostic. After two years years, I had the opporoppor tunity to work at the Department of Ophthalmology and I preferred the clinical field to the diagnostic one. Well, I was not a very enthusiastic ophthalmologist. However, since I was discovering the field in more detail, I gradually realized I was enjoying the work very much. Moreover, I was definitely lucky as well because it is a must if you want to succeed. So, I was primarily lucky I had good teachers. Could you tell us what care is offered by the Department of Ophthalmology of the FNKV to patients? Thee De Th Depa part rtme ment nt ooff Op Opht htha halm lmol olog ogyy of tthe he FFNK NKVV belongs to the first-rate medical institutions in the Czech Republic. The volume of the diagnostic, medical, operational care and the level of device equipment is comparable with the best eye clinics in Europe. I can easily compare it as I have visited a number of foreign clinics during my career path and I have built the Clinic of the FNKV according to th them. Ob Obviiouslly, it is i necessary to cooperatte well with the hospital’s management as well. What surgeries do you carry out most often and in what quantity? Recently, ophthalmology has sub-specialized lilikke tthhe majorit j ity off oth ther ffiield lds. S So, nobbody d can be an outstanding eye surgeon specialized in all types of eye surgeries nowadays. During my career I have performed practically all kinds of eye operations. However, I operate primarily the cataract
of the crystalline lens and I deal with the surgery corrections of refraction errors at present. The greater number of performed operations the better the results, for the greater part. I operate on about 1.000 patients suffering from the cataract in one year. Part of the Clinic is also the Eye Bank. How do you gain suitable donors? The Eye Bank is the part of the Eye Clinic indeed and it has been operating since 1992. It was the first modern eye bank in the post-communist countries in Europe. The way of gaining, the processing and the distribution of tissues is carried out under strict rules according to the law No. 296 on the Ensurance of the collection and security of human tissues and cells aimed at human usage. At present, only cornea is suitable for transplantation. Could you tell in what cases is the transplantation conducted most often and what is its main principle? Thee mo Th most st ffre requ quen entt tr tran ansp spla lant ntat atio ionn of tthe he eeye ye tissue is the transplantation of a part or of the whole cornea. This operation is very efficient. The sick one that was practically blind due to corneal opacity can see again after the operation just as before the cornea illness or before the injury. We carry out the most up-to-date type of the operation in cooperation with the Eye Bank as the only ones iin th the C zechh Republ bliic att presentt. How many transplants do you carry out at the Clinic per year? About 130 surgeries like that are performed at the Clinic in one year. What are the biggest problems in the field of ophthalmology globally? The biggest eye problems on the global scale occur primarily in the developing countries. It largely concerns cataract and then infectious
diseases causing blindness as are river blindness and trachoma. Possibly, the most important and the least influential disease is the age-dependent macular degeneration and the affection of the retina by diabetes – i.e. diabetic retinopathy. How do you see the future of the complete transplantation of the eye organ? Is it ever going to be possible? I suppose organ transplants are going to be less frequent in the future. I see the major importance in prevention, therapy and completely new ways of medicine. Concerning the sense organs, technical devices serving as neuroprostheses have been developed, in our case for instance microchips implanted into retina. The transplant of the eye as the whole sense organ is not and will never be possible. You are the author of several scientific publications. Are you going to write any other? I published an extensive textbook on eye medicine ci ne aim aimed ed at at op opht htha halm lmol olog ogis ists ts in in co coop oper erat atio ionn with other authors a year ago. Shortly afterwards, I was convinced I was not going to write anything similar in the near future. Yet again, I am preparing a book on the surgery of refraction errors and presbyopia with my colleagues. You have a very demanding occupation; do you still have time for your hobbies? How do you relax? I really like playing tennis and reading “pessimistic” philosophers after work, recently Arthur Schopenhauer, for instance. By P Pavlílína Holanco l váá I
českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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There Are Still Few Women at the Highest Posts in Diplomacy
Marie Chatardovรก Head of Diplomatic Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Photo: Paul Pacey
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An interview with Marie Chatardová, Heead of Diplomatic Prottocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic After graduation from the Masaryk University, Faculty of Law in Brno in 1985, Marie Chatardová worked as an official for trademarks in Prague. Five years later she started to work as a commercial lawyer. Since 1994 she has been employed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between the years 1995–1999 she work rked at the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the EU in Brussels and in 2002 she became the Ambassador of the Czech Reppublic to Sweden. Since Novem mber 2007 she has been Head of Diplomatic Protocol. Marie Chatardová is married with three children. She speaks English, French, Russian, Italian, and German. You were the Czech Ambassador to Sweden till 2007. Why did you choose this country? It was a coincidence at first. But I never regretted. Sweden is an interesting country with wonderful nature, and we have excellent bilateral relations at all levels. The Swedish people are pragmatic. They responded positively to our proposals on for instance Czech days in regions, towns’ partnerships, cooperation between schools, etc. In the end we also succeeded in the loan and digitization of the Devil’s Bible. Even Princess Christina attended the display which was a splendid peak of our four-year work at this project. The Swedes are also very hospitable. We have had a lot of friends there. One of my best Swedish friends, the Head of Protocol at that time, meanwhile became the Swedish Ambassador in Prague. So we have just changed roles and are neighbours again. Whose idea was it to digitize the Devil’s Bible and display it in Prague? When I was a newly appointed ambassador and went to introduce myself within the so-called courtesy calls to the director of the Royal Library in Stockholm, he said he always showed the Devil’s Bible to ambassadors, but he was not sure what to show me. I assured him that the Bible was interesting for me even more than for ambassadors from other countries. So we went to see it. The Bible is stored in a special box one level below the ground and is opened on the page with the Devil. It is available to the public, but there was no publicity which surprised me. I asked the director if anybody knew precisely what was inside the Bible. He answered that probably not in details. We started to discuss it and agreed that it would have been good if the Bible were digitized. The fact that digitization was successful is even more valuable for us than the whole exhibition itself, because it makes further scientific research possible without damaging the original. As for the exhibition – the idea to put the Bible on display was gradually adopted in Prague and all top politicians who came to Sweden supported it. Then we negotiated technical details, because Sweden laid down rather strict conditions. However, it was a great success. Working as a diplomat is not very easy. Do you think it was more difficult for you as a woman? I have never had the feeling that I was discriminated in diplomacy, because I am a woman. Maybe I never bring myself to admit it. I think it also often depends on how the woman presents some situations. When I was the head of the department and became pregnant, I informed my superiors of it with a smile as of joyous news and that I had everything arranged and would be able to come back to work shortly. If I came there and said: “You know, I am pregnant, perhaps I’ll manage it, perhaps not, I’ll try, etc.”, maybe the reaction would not be that responsive. I am getting down to brass tacks: why there are still so few women in diplomacy, at the highest positions respectively? The main reason is the difficulty to harmonize this profession with family. I could behave self-confidently, because my husband agreed to stay at home with our third child, to go abroad with me, and to give up his career. If I had not such a background, it would have been much more difficult.
So your husband coped with the role of a “spouse” quite well. My husband supports very much what I do, and he also adapted his livingg rhythm to my profession. He coped with it well. Of couurse, it was not easy sometimes. You arrive in a country where you do not know anybody, furthermore, in our case, with a five-month old baby and another child he had to drive to and from school. However, my husband found hiis activities. He founded a club of ambassadors’ husbaands, for there was an association of diplomats’ wives, but he was not allowed to go there as a man at the begg inning. Nevertheless it is a fact that there was scant amount of ambassadors’ husbands, so he also invited Sw wedish members to his mini-club. This just confirms whaat I have said answering your previous question. It is often the case that husbands do not accompany their partners? It happens quiite often. I do not want to talk about private life of otheers. I am not supposed to do that. When I was in Sweden,, only three of nineteen ambassadors had their husbands there. Others see each other once a month or even leess, or were divorced or single. What are the positive features of the profession of a diplomat? First of all it is a great honour to represent my country abroad. In my opinnion, the greatest benefit of it is the opportunity to meett new people and have new life experiences as well as too bear the necessity to adapt to a longterm stay away frr om home. However, I must admit that the last mentionedd positive feature can be understood as a negative one by someone. What are the specific activities of your department? The Departmennt of Diplomatic Protocol deals with two basic areas: the first one is the activities linked with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations; that means that we keep the diplomatic document (list of all diplomats accredited in the Czech Republic), we also issue diplomatic licensee plates, ID cards, solve parking problems, offences of diplomats, issues concerning real estate in which embassies or ambassadors have their residences, VAT reeturns, etc. Our department is the first one the new ambaassadors arriving in the Czech Republic contact. They alsso give me copies of their credentials before they give them to the Czech President during the ceremony at the Prague Castle. And what about the other area? The other area of our activities is what people usually imagine under thee diplomatic protocol: it means the preparation of visits of ministers of foreign affairs, which means programm mes, seating, cars, police protection, gifts, suites, VIP lounges at the airport and many other apparent details. When I took up the post of the director of this departmentt, the head of protocol from one country told me: “Think over well, protocol is such a whipping boy. You can prepare everything into merest details, but then the waiter stumblees, the fuse blows, and who everybody scolds? Protocol.”” I have to say that in spite of it I like doing this job. Theree is still a lot of action, and it is often necessary to solvee unpredictable situations.
You are also involved in the Czech EU Presidency. Which of the events has been the most demanding for you so far? The informal meeting of the EU ministers of foreign affairs at Hluboká Castle in South Bohemia was the most difficult event from the logistics point of view. Since it was held outside Prague, a lot of organizational issues such as ample accommodation not only for ministers, but also for all delegates had to be solved. We were also responsible for the accompanying programme of the ministers’ partners. How do you create the accompanying programme? What are the criteria? We always try to put together a balanced programme which must not omit something from history, because it is one of the issues the Czech Republic can show off. We visited Český Krumlov and the Vyšší Brod Monastery where we could see Záviš’s Cross which is not normally displayed to the public. It was a great honour and immense experience for us. The programme also included the visit to the non-governmental non-profit organization Arpida in České Budějovice that cares for handicapped children and surely belongs to the best organizations in this field in Europe. It was difficult to leave the very friendly and natural environment that people in Arpida created for us. Unfortunately, time was a limiting factor. Partners of the ministers had to participate in the welcome drink and could not arrive late for the gala dinner. You also teach diplomatic protocol at the Department of West European Studies, Charles University in Prague, and at the Institute of State Administration. Do you like teaching? Yes. I sometimes need to be among students and share their enthusiasm and my experience with them. The interest in diplomatic protocol (not only in theory, but also in practice) was much higher than I expected. At the beginning of the first term, I naively thought that there would not be many people interested in it, so I did not set any maximum number of participants. The result was 73 registered students. It was excellent for teaching, but worse with the time in the examination period. However, we coped with it and it was amazing that all students knew almost everything. They said it was because they enjoyed the subject. That is the highest recognition for the teacher. At the Institute of State Administration I give lectures for civil servants who are already in practice, and our discussions are stimulating that I come to know a lot about the level of respecting the rules of social etiquette at various ministries. Will you continue teaching? I would like to, including occasional lectures at universities outside Prague or at foreign universities in Prague, because there is a demand here. However, I can only commit myself to that extent which my time allows. It must never be at the expense of my work. Diplomacy is the univocal priority for me. By Zuzana Kasáková I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz
Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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culture event
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
On the 20th March the National Theatre witnessed the opening night of one of the most famous Tchaikovsky’s operas Eugene Onegin. The work is inspired by the famous novel in verse by Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, in which the eternal theme of human solitude is depicted in the story of the unrequited love between Tatyana and Onegin. The production is directed by a Romanian-American director Andrei Serban, under the baton of John Fiore. Also during the gala opening, the orchestra of the National Theatre was dressed in tuxedos for the first time, which were offered to them by the OP Prostějov Company.
Opening March 20, 2009
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky:
Hannah Ester Minutillo (Olga) and Aleš Briscein (Lensky)
EUGENE ONEGIN Wioletta Chodowicz (Tatyana), Roman Janál (Onegin) and Miloslav Podskalský (Prince Gremin)
At the opening night new tuxedos for the orchestra of the National Theatre offered by the OP Prostějov Profashion were presented
Dana Burešová (Tatyana), Vladimír Chmelo (Onegin)
Bořivoj Klug, Representative of the OP Prostějov Company
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John Fiore, Conductor
14.5.2009 11:58:16
Vice-chairperson of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Miroslava Němcová with her husband and PhDr. Ondřej Černý, General Director, National Theatre
culture event
Opening April 4, 2009
Georg Friedrich Haendel: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE
RINALDO Lovers of baroque opera enjoyed the opening night of Georg Friedrich Handel’s opera Rinaldo. It was the first time when this work was presented at the National Theatre and the production was led by a team of French artists led by a young director Louise Moaty and with a Czech conductor, an outstanding specialist in old music, Václav Luks.
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In the front: Yeree Suh (Almirena)
18.5.2009 14:27:14
Jiří Heřman, Head of the Opera of the National Theatre, L. Moaty, Director, Václav Luks, Conductor, Mrs. Fr. Denieau, Choreographer, A. Blanchot, Costume Designer and Mrs. A. Caron, Scene Designer
Yeree Suh (Almirena)
From left: Stanislava Jirků (Goffredo) and Mariana Rewerski (Rinaldo)
Principal Singers S. Mihalcová, A. Brožáková, Mariana Rewerski, Yeree Suh, Adam Plachetka a K. Kněžínková
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In the front: Adam Plachetka (Argante)
14.5.2009 12:01:30
Laurent Goutard, General Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors, of the Komerční banka, a.s., with his wife and friends
Adam Plachetka (Argante) and M. Fajtová (Armida)
Peter Palecka, Member of the Board of Directors of the Komerční Banka, a.s. and Mrs. Meda Mládková, Art Patron and Owner of Kampa Museum
Alexandr Katsapov received the award “For the best solo performance interpreting a principal role“ in the Ballet of the National Theatre’s Solo for Three and the artistic director of the Ballet of the National Theatre, Petr Zuska, received the award “For the author craft” for the same production
On the 4th April the scene of the National Theatre witnessed the awards of the prizes of the Competition of the contemporary dance production 2008.
Choreographer and Director Libor Vaculík received “The main award of the competition of contemporary dance” for the production of The Rite of Spring at the National Theatre in Brno
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From left: Eva Chmelová, Artist and Mrs. Ľubomíra Slušná, Exhibition Curator
culture event
Eva Chmelová Exhibition PAINTINGS AT GALLERY SOGA PRAGUE
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On the left: Rudolf Chmel, Exminister of Culture and Benjamín Szakál, Partner, Gallery Soga
14.5.2009 11:54:53
Mrs. Gabriela Kunertová and Jiří Kunert, Chairman of the Board, General Director, Unicredit
From left: Mrs. Renata Savič and Mrs. Eva Chmelová, Artist
Mrs. Irena Machačková, Director, Gallery Soga
Oleg Ehrenberger with his wife Bronislava and Eva Chmelová, Artist
Painting LETEM SVĚTEM from 2007, in front of the painting: Mrs. Marie Urbanová, Gallery SOGA
Paintings on the left: Diptych STŮL S OBRAZEM and on the right: DVA U STOLU
Mrs. Jana Mrozková, behind her painting KDO ZTRATIL ROUCHO
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14.5.2009 11:55:53
gala evening
From left: Mrs. Lucie Borhyová, Moderator of the evening, Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1 and his wife Tereza Hejmová
Second Prestige Ball at Žofín Žofín saw one of the highlights of the ball season. The Municipality of Prague 1 invited all ball and dance lovers to return to the 1930’s. On 24 April it organized a Gala Ball at the Žofín Palace which attracted a number of leading personalities in culture, business, politics and diplomacy and carried them all to the era which was so beautiful that it could not last long. The guests enjoyed great entertainment, excellent wine and tasty delicacies and they also became acquainted with the SOFOS Foundation, supporting the Prague 1 territory with environmental, educational, social, health, transport safety and free-time projects. Those who unfortunately could not come this year of various reasons missed a magic evening. This Magazine recommends those not to miss next year’s Ball.
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Grande Hall, Žofín
14.5.2009 20:10:18
From left: Ing. Hana Pavlištová, CEO, CIA (Czech Information Agency) and Vlastimil Harapes, Legendary Ballet Dancer
From left: Mgr. Karel Koželuh, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1 with his wife
Dara Rolins, Singer
From left: Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1, PaedDr. Jan Hejma and Ing. Pavol Škrak, Representative of the Municipality of Prague 1
From left: Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1 and Ms. Kateřina Neumannová, renowned Cross Country Skier Ing. Jana Horáčková, Marketing Czech Centre and Giorgio Bonelli, Owner of Alchymist Grand Hotel
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
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From left: Pavlína Senič, Soloist of State Opera in Prague, Tomáš Uleha, Member of the Committee on Public Administration and Regional Development/Member of the Committee, Parliament of the Czech Republic and Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1
14.5.2009 20:10:40
From left: Lilian Sarah Fisherová, Czech Vicemiss 2007 and Iveta Lutovská, Czech Miss 2009
Daniel Hodek, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1 with partner Klára Trachytová
Čestmír Horák, Representative of the Municipality of Prague 1 with his wife
Ondřej Havelka, Melody Makers
From left: Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1 and Jan Hejma, father to Ing. Petr Hejma
From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1
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Ing. Vladimír Studený, LTC of Castle Guard with his wife together with Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1
From left: Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1 with his wife Teraza Hejmová and Daniel Solis, Representative of the Municipality of Prague 1 with his wife
14.5.2009 20:11:06
FÉDÉRATION EUROPÉENNE DES CONSEILS ET INTERMÉDIAIRES FINANCIERS (FECIF)
Vincent J. Derudder, Secretary General of FECIF
The crisis: can we grow of it? The key word remains: regulation – just if regulation could be the answer to all the problems of this worldd… The principal challenge to achieving an acceptable order is the rising bar of regulatory expectations, uncertainty due to regulatorss’ moving the goalposts retroactively, and the inncreased – and increasing – “heavy-handedneess” of both regulators and law enforcement. International financiaal institutions and conglomerates said they face multiple complexities in meeting diverse regulations across borders but they know that they have build up enough influence on political circles to carry on doing business todaay as before. Clearly, better guidannce and clarification of regulators’ expectationns would be beneficial. Governments also neeed to adopt a longerterm view, recognising that regulatory convergence in time should result in considerable cost savings, particulaarly if they can develop and put into place tooday holistic, forwardlooking strategies foor ensuring compliant outcomes.
The EU has yet to learn from the crisis Employment participation, hours worked, etc. there needs to be less regulation and less taxation as well as substantial improvements in the operation of the single market. But, as yet, there is no sign of the political commitment needed to seriously address these challenges. And the longer tough decisions are delayed the harder it will become. One could argue that with radical economic reform the performance of the EU economy could be substantially improved. Evidence of corporate success right across the EU abounds, but this is in spite of, not because of the heavy hand of the state. Regulators seem to be living in another universe... They did not get the message when the Irish said “no” to the constitutional referendum. The Irish people did not say no to Europe but to the reign of useless bureaucracy. They said no to over-regulation, they said no to gold platting, they said no to a forced harmonization of taxation which is nothing
else that a premium to thhe poor management by bankrupted national governments. What kind of recovery do EU people want? Anything but elegant auusterity… The gravity of the current financial crisis requires more efforts to impprove corporate governance but regulators must quit. They are responsible for the mess they created. Tough time gets tougheer but politicians’ decision to target tax heaveens is a diversion to distract from his failure too take action against what is the point of pagges of regulation if it does not protect consumer, EU governments may need bailout lessons from the real people. By Vinncent J. Derudder I Secretary General Fédération Européeenne des Conseils et Interm médiaires Financiers Brussels
The « Fédération Europééenne des Conseils et Intermédiaires Finannciers » is a trade body chartered in 19999 to represent the financial intermediariess. Today FECIF represents approximatelyy 300,000 intermediaries (insurance ageents and brokers, financial planners, assett mangers, independent financial advisers, etc.) českou verzi naleznete naa www.leadersmagazine.cz Vincent J. Derudder with colleagues
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seminar/conference event
From left: Richard Stevens, Davenport Chadwick, Cyprus, Demetre Katsabekis, Executive Director, Hellenic Institute of Financial Advisory Services, Greece, Marta Gellova, Secretary General, AFIZ and Daniel Nicolaes, President, BZB, Belgium
AFIZ Hosts Project
€qualifise in Prague
The latest € qualifise Project Partners meeting, organized in Prague on March 12th and 13th, 2009 by AFIZ – Association of Financial Intermediaries and Financial advisers of the Czech Republic – in one of the most beautiful meeting rooms of the Parliament of the Czech Republic – was a profitable occasion to define and discuss about the project future perspectives. In particular, the outcomes after the end of the project, the implementation of the methodology within FS sector, the future plans of the initial League and the organization of the Final Dissemination Conference, foreseen in Brussels on May 28th, 2009 in the premises of Espace Monte Paschi Belgio, were deeply analyzed. The € QUALIFISE Project was jointly developed by € FPA (the € uropean Financial Planning Association) and EBTN (the European Banking & Financial Services Training Association) and so covers the whole Financial Services (banking, insurance, investment) sector. The project began January 1st, 2008 and it will run for 18 months. The aim of the €qualifise Project is to set up a European Financial Services Qualifications League to promote the Copenhagen process and to ensure that the European Qualification Framework (EQF) levels assigned to financial qualifications by national organisations are reliable and consistent throughout Europe, taking account of the differences between knowledge based and professional competence based qualifications...
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From left: Nigel Lloyd, Principal, Cambridge Professional Development, UK, Michael Fawcett, CEO European Financial Planning Association, Ingolf Jungmann, Vice-President and MD, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Marta Gellova, Secretary General, AFIZ and John Bruijne, Board Member, Association of Certified Financial Planners, Netherlands
18.5.2009 14:00:32
Mrs. Susan Middelboe, Danish Bankers Association and Josep Soler, President, EFPA Europe Paul Turner, Director of Awarding Body, Chartered Insurance Institute
From left: Clemens Spoorenberg, NIBE-SVV, Netherlands, Henrik Kjaer Christensen, Director, International Business Academy and Claudio Dondi, President of SCIENTER
Mario Spatafora, President, European Banking and Financial Service Training Association (EBTN)
All together
...The EQF was adopted by the European Parliament and Council on 23 April 2008. The EQF acts as a translation device to make national qualifications more readable across Europe, promoting workers’ and learners’ mobility between countries and facilitating their lifelong learning. The EQF encourages countries to relate their qualifications systems or frameworks to the EQF by 2010 and to ensure that all new qualifications issued from 2012 carry a reference to the appropriate EQF level. The EQF applies to all types of education, training and qualifications, from school education to academic, professional and vocational. The system shifts the focus from the traditional approach which emphasises ‘learning inputs’ such as the length of a learning experience, or type of institution. It also encourages lifelong learning by promoting the validation of non formal and informal learning. The EQF in the FSS will provide a common benchmark to measure qualifications, and thus have a significant integrating effect, especially across borders, contributing substantially to the creation of a single European financial market. This will in turn offer employment flexibility to FS 141 professionals. Employers will enjoy enhanced levels of competence, a larger pool from which to recruit and improved business systems based on competence standards. Equal opportunity practices will improve, making work more pleasant and again increasing the potential employee pool. Mario Spatafora, EBTN President
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14.5.2009 20:07:19
From left: H.E. Valdas Adamkus, President of the Republic of Lithuania and Přemysl Sobotka, President of Senate of the Czech Republic
President Valdas Adamkus with his wife Alma Adamkiene met President Václav Klaus and his wife Livia Klausová at the Prague Castle after the welcoming ceremony with military honours. The two-day visit of the presedential couple was very busy and full of meetings with the top officials of the Czech Republic. Nevertheless the state visit of the President of Lithuania contained two significant side events: Business breakfast with the business community and Czech-Lithuanian historians conference.
State Visit of H.E. President Valdas Adamkus
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From left: H.E. Osvaldas Čiukšys, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Czech Republic, Petr Vaněk, General Manager PR, Hyundai and Eok-Jo Kim, President & CEO Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech s.r.o.
14.5.2009 12:08:14
Business Breakfast AT LICHTENSTEJN PALACE
Mrs. Alexandra Rudyšarová, General Director, Czech Invest and Martin Ehl, Chief International Editor Economia Ltd., Hospodářské Noviny
Petr Jonák, Škoda Auto, a.s.
From left: Rimantas Žylius, Viceminister, Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania and Martin Ehl, Chief International Editor Economia Ltd., Hospodářské Noviny
From left: H.E. Valdas Adamkus, President of the Republic of Lithuania, H.E. Osvaldas Čiukšys, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Czech Republic and Rimantas Žylius, Viceminister, Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania
From left: H.E. Valdas Adamkus, President of the Republic of Lithuania and H.E. Osvaldas Čiukšys, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Czech Republic
From left: Audrius Masiulionis, Director, Investment Promotion Department Lithuanian Development Agency and Petr Žatecký, Commercial Director, International AŽD Praha, s.r.o.
more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz
Břetislav Kalůsek, Director of European States Department Ministry of Industry and Trade and Dr. Irena Valainyté, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania
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From left: Ing. Petra Čanaky, Sales International Region 4, Škoda auto, a.s., Dr. Irena Valainyté, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania and Petr Žatecký, Commercial Director, International AŽD Praha, s.r.o.
18.5.2009 14:49:00
Filip Hrnčíř, Eurolekarna
From left: Kamil Janáček, Chief Economist of Komerční banka, a.s. and H.E. Osvaldas Čiukšys, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Czech Republic
Milan Vrchlavský, Vicechairman of the Board & Executive Director, OKZ HOLDING a.s.
Czech-Lithuanian Historians Conference AT VILLA LANNA
H.E. Valdas Adamkus, President of the Republic of Lithunia
Jiří Drahoš, President of Czech Academy of Sciences
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Přemysl Sobotka, President of Senate of the Czech Republic
18.5.2009 14:51:28
interview An interview with Mr. Zdeněk Chrdle, Director General of AŽD Praha, s.r.o.
AŽD PRAHA SCORES IN RAILWAYS FIELD
Your company AŽD Praha is now very visible and successful in winning various railway projects abroad. Where do you see the main linchpins of your success? Our company has been present in the market already for more than fifty years. Our experience in the field is comparable to that of the biggest global players. Our successful business policy is based preferably on the competitive portfolio of products and systems as well as on our flexibility and ability to meet the requirements of the foreign customer, the good financial strength and availability of qualified labour that allow us to enter international markets and maintain our position, in spite of some initial problems, as the case may be. Moreover, the importance of increasingly growing support provided by the Czech Government to the international activities of Czech firms should be well appraised. AŽD Praha makes business with very exotic partners. How do you prepare your representatives for negotiations with the partners of, sometimes, very different cultural background? AŽD has established business contacts with a very wide variety of customers, from the countries of the North Baltic, the vivacious Balkans and from exotic India and Malaysia, as well. Mentality of people in those countries differs substantially and, at the beginning, it is always very difficult to learn and cope with all such cultural dissimilarities. One should always start from the basic rules and customs of communication in order to avoid any involuntary gaffe, which could cause problems in, or even prevent future dealings. For instance, Indians and Arabians are excellent businessmen. They are never under any time pressure, contrary to us in the position of a supplier. They can make incredible use of the situation for exerting pressure on us to get a lowered price. What organisation methods do you use for managing your activities abroad? In this respect, the main aspect consists in the centralisation of our foreign activities. Our individual destination (how we call the locations we are interested in) are always administered by a specialised team. The team is usually formed as soon as an interesting order has been won
or an important position has been taken on a certain foreign market. Up to now those teams have operated independently. In the new organisational chart they work under their common heading of foreign trade, as this model will allow us to improve the management of our activities abroad and to coordinate the realisation of orders within the company as well. What destinations are deemed the key ones by AŽD at present? They include particularly Belorussia, Serbia, Montenegro, Lithuania, Bulgaria and, newly, Turkey, Iran, Greece and Egypt. Before the end of the last year we signed a contract in Belorussia for the provision of about 100 km long railway line Polock-Vitebsk with automatic trainrunning control. In addition, at present the supply is under way of railway station safety systems for the railway junctions of Stepyanka and Novopolock. In a longer prospect negotiations are conducted concerning the transfer of production of certain safety systems to local firms. In addition to the countries, where you have either representation or a daughter company, there are numerous destinations that you supply with complete technological systems or individual products. Which countries belong to them? These destinations include locations, from which we have received a direct inquiry, i.e., out of the frame of a competition of tenders. Mostly it includes so-called outdoor controls, such as railway signals, point machines, railway level crossings and other devices. From this point of view, interesting countries include, e.g., Malaysia that we currently supply with electromechanical point machines, and Greece, where we provide the newly built Thriassio Logistic Centre with electronically operated level crossings. How can a Czech technological firm win abroad in competition with big supranational corporations enjoying political and financial support? Production aspects are very important, as well as its possible transfer abroad. Further, the issue of employment is of concern, i.e., how many jobs will be created for local people,
Photo: Archive AŽD Praha s.r.o.
which is the priority of any government. We try to learn our lesson from any failure and not to throw the towel in. Moreover, recently AŽD has demonstrated its high technological credit. In December 2008 AŽD Praha became the associated member of UNISIG, uniting the 7 most important European suppliers of safety systems for railways and substantially contributes to the creation of railway traffic interoperability rules. What is the competitive advantage of AŽD Praha abroad? Undoubtedly it is our willingness to listen to the customers. Within our activities we sell very sophisticated electronic safety systems that are subject to very careful evaluation and approval procedures. Moreover, each country applies more or less different regulations and standards, which the supplier has to comply with. Some requirements go even above the scope of those standards. Our asset consists mainly in tailoring our equipment precisely to customer‘s requirements. We do not force our solution through at any price. Compiled by LM I
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Leaders Magazine III/ I 2009
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