Prague Leaders Magazine Issue 04/2009 by Czech & Slovak Leaders

NO 4/2009 9

w ww..leadersmaggazine.cz

195,- CZK

Leaders Magazine No 4/2009

incl. ellectronic verr si s on

now avaiilabble in Brussels

Inng. Jan Fis isch cher er Priime Minnissteer of thhe Czeech Republilic photoo: Karel Paazd ph zderka

Prague City Hall

Comenius

16th Business Evening

Round Table

by Prague at Břevnov Monastery The Borough of Prague 6 Social Night took place the sixteenth time in June. This year, it... X

page 82

PLM_Coverpage_0904.indd 1

The third “Round Table of Comenius“ in 2009 took place on May 5 at the TOP Hotel Praha. The VIP guest was the forefront representative of... X

page 20

EU Matters

Sport Event

National Theatre

Rusalka

Presidency

Grand Opening

informally handed over to Sweden

of Prague City Golf Club

Opening 13th May, 2009

Prague’s historic Charles Bridge witnessed a symbolic handover of the Czech EU Presidency...

During the opening ceremony, a PRO-AM tournament took place where Alex played at each...

Dvořák’s Rusalka is a true jewel of Czech opera, loved by spectators all over the world. It bears...

page 97

page 85

page 116

20.7.2009 10:16:03

You can now enjoy all the comforts of a 5 star hotel when you ﬂ ﬂy Turkish Airlines First Class. The ultimate in comfort, service and luxury awaits you - feel like a true Superstar! Th

For further information please contact:

Turkish Airlines, Václavské náměstí 19, 110 00 Praha 1, tel.: +420 234 708 708, www.turkishairlines.cz, info@turkishairlines.cz G0022_inz_first_class_234x162,5.indd 1

10.2.2009 10:32:10

LEADERS MAGAZINE COVERING TOP PRAGUE EVENTS For Full Photocoverage Go To www.leadersmagazine.cz/photogallery

Turkish_Photogallery.indd 4

13.3.2009 18:21:27

friends of Kampa

From left: Albín Sybera Jr., Advisor to the President of Comenius, Jan Tašek, Managing Director and CoPartner of ASE s.r.o., Ing. Lenka Týčová, Chief Project Manager of Czech Chamber of Commerce, PhDr. Albín Sybera, Owner of Hotel U Jezulátka and CEO Sybera Enterprises s.r.o. and Ing. Miloslava Veselá, Managing Director and Director of TOP EXPO CZ s.r.o.

Off the Record

AT HOTEL U JEZULÁTKA

PhDr. Albín Sybera, Owner of Hotel U Jezulátka and CEO Sybera Enterprises s.r.o., and Mgr. Eva Rybková, PhD., MBA, Chief Executive Officer of NOVITEX Fashion a.s.

All together around the table

LM_0904_events_1.indd 3

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Hotel U Jezulátka

From left: Albín Sybera Jr., Advisor to the President of Comenius, Lucie Orgoníková, Public Relations Manager, IDS Scheer ČR s.r.o. and PhDr. Albín Sybera, Owner of Hotel U Jezulátka and CEO Sybera Enterprises s.r.o.

15.7.2009 18:43:54

STITCHED

CHAMPION OF THE 1ST GAMBRINUS LEAGUE 2007/2008

TITLES!

CHAMPION OF THE GAMBRINUS LEAGUE 2008/2009

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK TO OUR FANS, SPONSORS AND BUSINESS PARTNERS FOR THE SUPPORT IN NEXT CHAMPIONS SEASON!

GENERAL PARTNERS

THE OTHER PARTNERS

THE SOME OTHER PARTNERS

¥¥¥êìçÜéãØëàíÜê àå ÜíÜéð éÜêçÜÚë¥

MEDIAL PARTNERS

Ostrava_Brno.indd 4

15.7.2009 19:45:29

PLM2009_234x325excentrPrava.qxd

14.7.2009

13:33

Page 1

WE PRINTED THIS MAGAZINE WE ARE READY TO DESIGN AND PRINT YOUR: BILLBOARD, CITYLIGHT, POSTER, STAND, BANNER, CATALOGUE, MAGAZINE, BROCHURE, LEAFLET, ETC.

D&S Design Prague, s.r.o. Printing & Design Factory – Top Quality Products for Highly Competitive Prices Kounická 957/39, Praha 10 – Nové Strašnice, 100 00, tel.: 274 774 131, fax: 274 774 151, kabes@bigformat.cz

www.bigformat.cz

Dear Readers, Time is really flying. Suddenly you are now in the middle of the sum mmer and you start to won onde derr wh de what at happened to sp spririring ng. You ge ng gett th this is feeling thhat autum mn is lur urki king ki ng aaround the co corn rner rn er and beforee you kn know ow itt – w win inte in ter! te r! Any nyho h w, ho w I hop opee summ mer willlll bring wi ng witithh it som omee possibilitititie ies ie too rel e ax ax, some tim ime to get clo im l se t fam to amiliy an andd frfrie iend ie ndss as well as nd a ch chan ance an ce ttoo th thiink over t he big issu is suees in life su fe suc fe uchh ass the clilima m tee ma change and w wha hat wee all can ddoo annd contririribu ha bute bu te in in or orde d r to reduce andd sa an save ve eene nerg erg rgyy. y. This Th is yea earr I manaage gedd to gget et a wee eekk ho holida day which I sp da spentt wi with th old old frie iend ie nds, nd s, Fab abian an andd Ki Kick cki,i, in th ck their lovelyy hou ouse ou se bet bet etwe ween we en 2 bbea eaut ea utifififul ut fairirirways fa ys aatt th thee Gu Guad adalmina ad na G Goolf Club in Ma Marb rbel rb ella el la Spain in.. Dear readeerss, in tr y too iima mage ma ge wak aking up inn 30 3 deg egre rees re es, al es always sun unny un ny, th ny t rowing you ourselflf in the sw se wim immi ming mi ng ppoo ool,l, hav oo avin ingg a de in delicious brea eakk fas ea asst an andd th then en ooffff to pplaay golff on on 2 be beauutitifful fu golf cou oursses ou es.. Myy bbes estt re es resu sultlt w su was as onn the nortth co no cour urse ur se, 87 sho se hotss. Life cann be ho b ve very ry ssw weett iinndeed. Annd on to t p of ttha hat,t, one evening ha ng m myy frfrie iend end FFab abia ab ian de ia deci c de d d to cook hiss famo mous mo us S agheettii Bo Sp B logn gnes gn esee a laa FFabbia es ian. I am sttill sh shiv iveringg wh iv when en I am am thinking ng how ow ddel elic icio iouus it tasttedd tog ogether wi with th exccel elle lent nt Spa S anish sh wine. Than Th anks ks KKic icki ki and Faabian for ha having ng m mee in yyou ourr ho house! e! Deaar Readers De rs, in tthi h s Ju July ly iiss ssue ue w wee aree proud to haavee thee opportuni nity ty to inteerv rviiew w th thee new w Cz Czech Prim me Mi Minister, Ing ng. Jan Fi Fisc sche her.r. Hee is al also so fea eatu turred on the front pagge. Acc ccor ordi ding ng ttoo ma many ny ppeo eopl ple, e Mr.. Fi Mr Fisc sche her is off to a ve very ry ggood st staartt af afte terr th t e ol oldd governmeentt hadd to reesig ha ign after a no con onfifide denncee vote. Otthe herr ve very interesting ng innterviewss are w witithh th thee ne new w Mi Mini nist ster e off Finance, Ing ng. Ed Edua u rd Jannotaa. A muc uchh re resp spec ecte ted ma m n who is i cal alle l d Mr. Bu Buddget!! Th That at’ss jjus ust what wh at w wee ne need ed iinn titme mess lilike ke tthe hese se. Al Also s we ha have ve D Dav avid id Vod odrá rážžka, a Mayor of Prague 13 and nr 2 in ODS, Prof. Jiří Drahoš, Head of the Academy of Sciences, Conductor Leoš Svárovský, Film Director Juraj Jakubisko, MUDr Štepánka Stehliková from Homolka Hospital, 1st Vice Chairwoman of the Senate PaedDr Alena Gajdušková, Doc. Ing. Ladislav Štěpánek, Dean FASTVUT Brno, Chairman of Snoras Bank, R.Baranaukas, to name just a few. As usual, July is full of top level events. To mention some: Czech/German Summer Party (over 700 invited people took part), Insurer of the Year, Investor of the Year, Opening of Prague Spring, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa start of Old Car Classical Race, Prague City Golf opening, Jazz at the Castle, Comenius Round Myy ddo M dog og R og Rhheeaa Table Seminars, Czech Top 100, Czech/Austrian Economic Forum, Launching of Ingenico at Břevnov Monastery, Russian National Day, and a Concert with Juan Diego Florez. Finally, I want to wish you all a very pleasant summer wherever you might be and please come back with a fresh mind and some much needed energy to overcome whatever obstacles there might be on th t e ro road a . Keep ep readi ding ng tthe h Mag agaz azinee an a d do don’ n t lo lose s you ourr optititimi op mism sm aand nd ccre reatitivity it y.

events 14 20

23 26 29 38 40 43

46 48 50 52 62 64 66 68 71 82 85 88 94 108 112 124

Czech Top 100 Round Table of Comenius with Dr. Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic and Lubomír Jahnátek, Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic Round Table of Comenius with Ing. Rostislav Vondruška, Minister for Regional Development Round Table of Comenius with the Minister of Interior Martin Pecina at the Top Hotel Praha Round Table of Comenius with Eduard Janota, Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador at Velkopřevorský Palace Hilton Prague Old Town Launches “Zinc” Restaurant, Lounge and Bar Czech-Austrian Economic Forum with Dr. Heinz Fischer, President of Austria and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic AČPM Insurers of the Year 2008 page 71 Proﬁt Investment New Vision 70th Birthday of Jan Kopecký at the Hotel President Nordic Chamber’s Traditional Strawberry Party Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador Radio Regina Garden Party Slavia Defended the Czech Title Ingenico is Shaping the Challenging World of Payment also in the Czech Republic L´Authentic Historical Car Rally Prague – Venice Profit Investment New Vision in Stockmarket Consultant Business 16th Business Evening by Prague 6 at Břevnov Monastery Grand Opening of the Prague City Golf Club Jacob Broström 60 years 2008 Investor of the Year Awards Announced German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce Jazz at the Castle with Karel Růžička Septet Jazz at the Castle with Markovič – Gulo Čar – Benko

Yourss si s nc ncerely, Benkke Aikellll I benk be nkee.ai aike kelll@l @lea eade ders rsm maga gazi zine ne.cz cz www ww w.leader ersm smag agaazine.cz 6

contents.indd 6

Lead Le adeers Ma ad Maga g ziine IV/ 20 20099

diplomatic events 126 129

132 134

Russian National Day Great Success for the 2nd Joint Celebration of Nattional Days at Žofín: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden Lunch with Military Attaché at the Swedish Embassyy Victory Day and the 64-year anniversary of the end of World War II

page 43 – CzechAustrian Economic Forum

page 40 Hilton PPrague Hilt g Old Town T

16.7.2009 15:01:18

interviews 10 12 18

54 56 74 76

They Told me to Stay Away from Politics An interview with Ing. Jan Fischer, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Investors Perceive the Czech Republic As a Trustworthy Debtor An interview with Ing. Eduard Janota, Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic Finances on Science and Research are not Effectively Used An interview with Professor Jiří Drahoš, President of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic AB Bank SNORAS Continues a Profitable Growth and does not Decline the Expansion Plans An interview with Raimondas Baranauskas, President of AB Bank SNORAS Each of us Should Now and Again Come to Think of their Living Style and Change What Is Possible An interview with MUDr. Štěpánka Stehlíková, Diabetologist of the Department of Diabetology of the Na Homolce Hospital The Conductor Has to Radiate Personality An interview with Leoš Svárovský, Distinguished Conductor and Musical Pedagogue Film Without Audience Is Dead An interview with Juraj Jakubisko, Director, Screenwriter, Cameraman and Painter A Man Preparing for the Leap from the Local to the National Politics An interview with David Vodrážka, Deputy Leader of the Civic Democrats (ODS) Should Be the Czech EU Presidency Evaluated Successfully, the Lisbon Treaty Has To Be Ratified An interview with PaedDr. Alena Gajdůšková, 1st Vice-Chairwoman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Our Cooperation with The Private Sector Is Successful An interview with Professor Petr Štěpánek, Š Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology

contributors 9 17 36 58 60 111

Are We Able to Decide?/Ivan Pilný Kind Words or Cruise Missiles/ s Karin Genton L'Eppée It’s One Minute to Midnight/Jan Muehlfeit Zdeněk Bakala Tasted Victory and a Record Drop/Zdeněk Bakala The Energy-Climate Crisis is Your Business Part IX: Don’t Be Fooled By Low Oil Prices1/James A. Cusumano, PhD. Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Supports the Education of our Countrymen/ Mr. Jaromír Šlápota, CSUZ

page 56 – an interview with Juraj Jakubisko

culture events 72 114 116 118 119 120 121 122 123

Concert of Juan Diego Florez and Latin American Contemporary Art Exhibition The End of the Concert Season of the PSO Rusalka Bubeníček í and Friends, The Cry August: Osage County Katie Mahan (USA) From the Summer Depositary Exhibition Czech Contemporary Art Miroton

EU matters 97 98 100 102 104 105 106 107

contents.indd 7

Bus Busin ines esss Ne News ws International Conference Eastern Partnership rship Towards Civil Society Forum Businesseurope Council of Presidents Businesseurope Presentation of Organizaation An interview with Philippe de Buck, Directoor o General of Businesseurope CzechFlash Informal Meeting of Ministers of Agricultuure and nd Fisheries Presidency Informallyy Handed over to Sweeden Czech Presidency’s final thanks

page 92 Moravian-Silesian Region

91–93

78–81

page 106 Czech Presidency’s final thanks

16.7.2009 14:32:57

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 verrsity 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 TOP 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 n s: (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, Karin Genton-L’Epée, Pavlína Holancová, Martina Hošková, Filip Hubáček, JUDr. Roman Jelínek, Ph.D., Zuzana Kasáková, Zuzana Krchňavá, Tomáš Němeček, Jan Muehlfeit, Euro2009.cz, Ivan Pilný, Věra Řiháčková, Lenka Zlámalová

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

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 n officia ials ls, local of offifici c alss.

EU Matters: Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, CEBRE Czech Business Representation, AMO, CESES, Europlatform, Ano pro Evropu

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 63 631 111 Hotel Pa Palaace Praha Gourme met Club ub

Rezidence Nosticova Restaurant Alchymist 257 011 670

Photographers: Mathilda Broström 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

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 ﬁnd 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 Savoy Cafe Ca fe De Paariss Caffé Re Resstaura aur nt au Prem Pr emié iéra raa Casanoovaa C’es C’ esst La VVie ie C em Cl e enttinu num nu Casa s And sa ndina Červen enáá tabu en 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 na Heergget etov o a Cihe 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 2 514 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

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 – Havellsk skáá Kogo Ko go – S Slo lova lo vans va n ký dům m

224 2 24 8 818 18 8 752 224 21 22 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 (VVodičko kova ko va)) va Lary La ry FFar aryy Lee Café fé Colo loni lo niial al Les Moules Louka Lu 257 721 123 388 88 Lvví Dvůr Lví

221 984 16 66

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 Mar o Po Marc Ma P lo IVV Metamo morpphiss mo Metropoll Mussicc Club Mlýnec N stre No ress re s cafee gal ss galle alleery 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 82 208 08 222 317 004 4 222 22 2 325 119 271 71 726 548 77 76 41 4 8 559 9

Pálffyy Pallác á Parn rnn s rnas Paass ssep epar ep arto ar t utt to Patrio iot– io t–x t– Prav Pr avdaa av Red Fish s sushi

257 530 5 522 22 224 2 216 244 4 222 513 340 0 224 235 15 58 222 326 203 222 220 716

222 002 2 745 222 513 427 257 25 57 53 535 5 53 5 4 257 532 344

224 8 813 13 2 257 57

Publisher: Benke Aikell

Rest stau st aurace Hanil au R staaurace U Vladaařee Re Reestau aurant bar

222 715 86 67 257 534 121

Pood kř kříd ídle íd lem le m 224 22 4 95 951 1 741– 1–2 1– 2 Resttau aura rant ra nt M Miichall 222 22 2 2 6 30 Rest Re stau st aura au rant ra nt Palác Kinskýých Pa 224 810 1 750 10 50 Restaurace Naa Ro Rozh z ra zh raní 224 323 876 R staurant Ryb Re ybíí trh yb 224 22 4 89 895 5 44 447 7 Reest s aurantt u Kolow owra ow rata ra taa 2 257 530 30 729 Reestau Rest sta rant nt U ma maltlttéz ézskýcch rytířů 257 5 533 3 666 Reykjaavík ví k ví 22 22 22 21 21 218 Rio’s Vyššehrad 224 922 156

Subscription service: Bc. Daniel Raška Leaders Magazine CEPONA, s.r.o. Lužická 32, 120 00 Praha 2 We appreciate your opinions of the Leaders Magazine. Please send them to: Leaders Magazine Moravská 14, 120 00 Praha 2, tel.: 224 255 277, fax: 224 256 172, e–mail: info@leadersmagazine.cz www.leadersmagazine.cz Leaders Magazine comes out bi–monthly. Licence: MK ČR E 13147

Ristorannte t Amicci Mi Mi ei R st Ri stor oraante or te Da Eman anue an uell ue

224 4 816 688 224 312 934 22

Rist Ri storanntee Incontro st Jung ngma ng manoovo nám. 19 ma

224 24 948 6 650 50

Russalka 224 22 4 93 934 4 109 Saaha hara Caffé/ é/Re R st Re s au a raant n 774 557 763 6 Taj– Ta j–Ma j– Maha Ma hall ha 224 225 56 566 UČ Čeer er veného kola la UK Kaamenného moosttu U ma malířů U moodrré kkaach chni n čk ni čkyy U Moodr dréh é o Hr éh Hroznnu nu U zl zlat a é hr at hruš ušky uš k U Závoje Ultramarin V no di Vinoo Vi

224 811 118 224 09 97 10 100 0 257 5 530 000 257 25 7 320 0 30 308 222 22 221 1 185 220 514 7 778 7 226 60 00 06 122 224 932 249 9 222 22 312 999

Zátititiší Zá ší R Res esta es tauuran ta uran antt Zahr Za hrad hr ada v Op ad Opeře

222 221 155 22 224 22 4 239 685

No reproduction is permitted in whole or part without the express consent of Leaders Magazine. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors or persons interviewed and do not necessarily reﬂect the views of the editors or Leaders Magazine. All editorial material and photos in Leaders Magazine is digitally stored and may be republished by Leaders Magazine either in printed form or in various digital media. All correspondence to Leaders Magazine may be published. Graphic design and printing: D&S Design Prague, s.r.o. tel.: 274 774 131 prague@bigformat.cz www.bigformat.cz

Leaders Magazine is member of

info.indd 8

15.7.2009 19:36:52

Are We Able to Decide? The struggle about what is going to be the basis of our personal or managerial decision occurs quite often in our lives. On the one hand we are influenced by the approach expressed by the quotation of a famous American manager: “In God we trust, the others bring the data!”. On the other hand there are our intuitions responding to the presented idea or intention: “That’s a great idea!” or “Go to hell with that!”. The situation is made even more difficult by the fact that the majority of decisions are made in a hurry and under stress and you definitely lack some piece of information. As a good manager you also know that the decision has to be made in time and you cannot try to avoid it even under the pretext of lacking information. The saying that it is better to make a wrong decision in time than to not decide at all, has proven truthful many times. Especially today during the crisis your instincts tell you to decide more slowly. Unfortunately, y, it is absolutelyy necessaryy to decide faster than before. And there are no reliable data, crystal balls for fortune-telling are unreliable as well. We are made accept other, maybe even greater, risks than normally. What can we do? To watch visionaries does not have to be the best way and to trust someone else’s intuition can also lead us to a trap. One of the most successful American managers Jack Welch recommends to rely on intuition rather in business than in the recruitment of new people. It is supported by

Photo: Archive

the argument that business plans are also a projection into the future and the data contained in them are often rather a wish than reality. On the contrary, to recruit wrong or inapt people is one of the most expensive managerial mistakes. In my experience, feedback helps a lot. Note how many successful people including politicians become narcissistic after several good intuitive decisions. From a certain moment they are convinced that only they can make correct decisions and theyy do not want to hear or even take into account different views. Do not fall into a similar trap, it is alluring, easy and fatal. There are even some formal means how to check the struggle between intuition and data. One of them is the method of six thinking hats by Edward de Bono. The participants of a discussion put on hats of various colours and are allowed to react only according to the colour of the hat on their head. The black hat means negativism and scepticism, the yellow one positive facts, the red one emotions, the white one data, etc.

Such meetings usually are very productive and primarily, they are short. There are people who are talented in the way how to see the core of a project, idea, plan very quickly. In business, it is usually measured by money. It is surprising what complex substitutive constructions are often created to cover the heart of the matter. We, who are not talented so much in this sphere, have to learn from our mistakes and get more experienced. So manage it quickly and do not make the same errors as before. The school fees increase year by year and this is valid not only in business. By Ivan Pilný 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 IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 9

16.7.2009 8:10:27

An interview with Ing. Jan Fischer, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

THEY TOLD ME

TO STAY AWAY FROM POLITICS Before the interview he had a phone call with Swedish PM Fredrik Reinfeldt, who will take over the EU prresidency this week. A delegation from Czech Airlines, which is beingg prepared for privatisation. Politics is clearly something thaat the temporary PM enjoys; in an interview with Hospodářské noviny, however, he repeats several times that he does not want to remain in politics. Photo: Karel Pazderka

Interviews.indd 10

Leaders Magazine IV/2009

16.7.2009 8:11:21

A minister in Topolá Topolánek government told uss that when he first led le a meeting of his EU colleagues, co olleagues, he was so nervous in the morning m orning that he threw thre up. How did you feel? fe eel? Hee told me about this! I still have the text messsage he wrote. It w wasn’t that dramatic, but still: when you go thhrough all the security checcks and enter the room, where most of the the prime ministers and presidents are already seateed, you feel your kknees going weak. It’s a mooment when you jusst need to pull yourself togetther: Good God, I really need to go up theree. What was the most difficult negotiation for fo or you at the summit? Guuarantees for Ireland. The Irish wanted to be able to leave the suummit and go into the new referendum with sstrong guarantees on topicc s that were impoortant to them. And others – especially the Brits – wanted a way to guuarantee that the raatification issue would not be reopened. Eveeryone felt that wee had to come to an agreeement. The French, the Germans, the Sweddes, were invited to t the negotiations at varioous stages. That was not an easy feat – to find the people that woould help you achieve the goal – and the nextt day at 11am we were able to announce that ann agreement had been reachhed. Why do you think Nicolas Nic Sarkozy praised how ho ow you handled the summit? During the whole w hole presidency he was competing with the dominate and the daily Le th he Czechs to domina Figaro, Fi igaro, which is close tto the president, mercilessly Czech presidency. ci ilessly targeted the C Saarkozy is a fore of natture. He is charismatic, able to connivence andd has great non-verbal comm munication skills. You Y either let yourself be smothered by that or you respond head on. I don’t have a problem with non-verbal comm munication. Peoplee say about me that if I didnn’t have any hands, I wouldn’t be able to comm municate. Buut I am pleased Angela Merkel and Sweddish Prime Ministerr Reinfeldt, as well as colleeagues from other coountries, also gave me posittive feedback. It waasn’t just Sarkozy and that makes me happy. S So that they can’t say that ‘Fischer ‘Fischer messed it up’. u If you are able to neg negotiate a compromise with w ith 27 countries, why can’t you help negoParoubek and tiate an agreement between be Topolánek To opolánek over who will w be the next Czech EU U commissioner? Thaat’s a good questioon. It’s something that

bothers me a lot. Because in the corridors in Brussels, there is already talk about assigning the different portfolios. But how cann you negotiate about this without having sppecific candidates? It’s possible but very difff icult to do. The chairmen of both big parties nevertheless want to wait until after the electionns to decide. So if we get some unsuitable portt folio at the end of the year... Then people will say “Fischer messed it up”. Those are your words, but I don’t disaggree. We will hold negotiations with the politiccians during next week, and we do want to give them a reminder: Gentlemen, this is somethinng we need to talk about. Is it true that Topolánek and Paroubek have already made a deal that the winner will form the next government and that the loser will become the next EU commissioner? That’s a question for the ČSSD andd the ODS. No comment from me. If politicians suggested that the new head of the Czech Statistical office should be the not very well known MP Rafaj, whose qualifications include little more than his ČSSD membership, you would probably say that they are crazy. So why have you accepted his nomination to head the anti/ monopoly office? This nomination came from the ČSSD D and is based on certain agreements. I will nott discuss his ability to do the job on the pages of this newspaper. But you stood up against some other nominations. Why are you not standing up now, when the posts are filled by the silent grand coalition and you are just supposed to cover it up? Let me put it this way: I will not disscuss specific nominations, but I will agree withh you that it would, of course, be better in a num mber of cases to fill the posts with experts raather than politicians. When it comes to the anti-monopoly off fice, I am prepared to present the nominatioon to the cabinet next week. There will a discuss sion and after that things will be clearer. You asked that the huge commission for the liquidation of ecological damages, which is worth some CZK 115 billion, be investigated. What did you find out? The investigation is still under way. Theey did not uncover anything that would requiree that the commission be halted. But I can sayy that

Jan Fischer • Born 2 January 1951 in Prague • Comes from a family of mathematicians and statisticians • In 1974 graduated from the School of Economics in Prague and began working at the Czech statistical office. • After 1989 he was deputy head of the statistical office for ten years. • He was then dismissed from that position by the new director. He became the director after the previous director’s resignation in 2003. • He was a member of the Communist Party from 1980 to 1989. • He was married twice and has three adult children. the final decision will be made by the next government. Former Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek said he is prepared to help you at any time. Have you sought his advice yet? We have had many long conversations about the budget. I talked with him about this in greater detail than with any other ministers. After all, I understand the budget much better than I do historical preservation, for instance. Would you say that you are on friendly terms? Why not? We are very friendly. What other politicians are you friendly with? I think I have a very different relationship with everyone. And that’s how it should be. My predecessor at the statistical office, Edvard Outrata, who returned from Canada after living in exile for many years, always says. As the director, you will have close dealings with politicians, but stay away from politics. By Lenka Zlámalová and Tomáš Němeček, Hospodářské noviny Translated with permission by the Prague Monitor.

českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 11

16.7.2009 8:11:44

interview Ing. Eduard Janota Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic Photo: VladimĂr Weiss

Interviews.indd 12

16.7.2009 8:12:16

An interview with Ing. Eduard Janota, Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic

INVESTORS PERCEIVE the Czech Republic As a Trustworthy Debtor Ing. Eduard Janota (1952) graduated from the Faculty of Manufacturing Economics of the University of Economics in Prague in 1975. He also successfully compllettedd th the postg tgraduat d te sttudi dies iin th the ﬁeld ld off IInsurance andd BBanki kingg att th the Uniiversitity off Economiics in PPraggue in 1197 9799. HHe workkedd iin th the Managgement me nt Boa Board rd of of th thee Cz Czec echh Na Natition onal al Ins Insur uran ance ce Co Co., th thee De Depa part rtme ment nt of of Ec Econ onom omic icss in 197 19755-19 1979 79. Af Afte terw rwar ards ds, Mr Mr. Ja Jano nota ta too tookk up the the Min Minis istr tryy of Fin Finan ance ce, thee Na th Natition onal al Bud Budge gett De Depa part rtme ment nt, of whi which ch he he be beca came me dir direc ecto torr in 199 19922. He He wo work rked ed in in th thee po posi sitition on of of th thee De Depu puty ty Fin Finan ance ce Min Minis iste terr frfrom om 199 19999. Edu Eduar ardd Ja Jano nota ta became the Minister of Finance in the interim government of the Prime Minister Jan Fischer in May 2009. Eduard Janota is married and has two sons. You have been dealing with the budget set up already for three decades. Which period, in this respect, do you find the most interesting? I can say all periods were interesting in a certain wayy. FFro wa rom m th thee po poin intt of vvie iew w of tthe he sset etup up ooff th thee budget, the present situation is the most complex one, since this time, except for the old problems we have to deal with a new phenomenon of considerable decrease in budget incomes connected with the economic downturn. You became the minister in government with de facto only one meaningful goal – to set up the economic budget for the year 2010. What amount of the budget deficit are you going to design? What is the probability that the Parliament is going to pass it after the early elections? I hope that political representation clearly bewares of risks resulting from unauthorized proposal of the state budget. At the same time, I hope that the MPs are going to vote for it with thee aw th awar aren enes esss of tthi hiss is issu suee. W Wee wi willll ppro ropo pose se tthe he budget deficit in the amount of 166 billion CZK. This would mean for all public budgets about 5 % of GDP according to the Eurostat methodology (ESA 95). It still means a sustainable degree justifiable by the exceptional fall of GDP, in comparison to other European states. What areas are going to be hit by expenditure cuts most? I presume to answer the other way round as it is briefer. Expenditure cuts in terms of non-reduction of expenditures compared to this year will not affect the following priority areas: research and development, investment in infrastructure, and co-financing of the projects subsidized by the EU funds. Are there going to be also extra budget reserves aimed at the “scrapping money” launching? There are not any means aimed at this purpose budgeted at the moment. Could you briefly outline the forecast of the budget debt pay off?

The Czech Republic has basically never started to pay off the debt; we are paying off the security of the old debt by the emission of the new debt (so-called “revolving”). We can not pay off our debt de btss un untitill we ppos osse sess ss bbud udge gett su surp rplu luse sess. H How owever, I do not suggest achieving them in the following years, unless the legislative changes are going to occur in the sphere of mandatory expenditures, which depends upon political will. In this context, do you take into account public bond emission for the next year? If yes, in what volume? Is there sufficient demand on public bonds on the market? We obviously do take it into account. It is necessary to fund the deficit and at the same time to ensure the Czech Republic meets all its obligations. The bond market situation is rather difficult, yet investors perceive the Czech Republic as a trustworthy debtor. This fact is reflected also by relatively low risk bonuses. Public bonds emission in the amount of 280 billion CZK is planned for this th is yea yearr. The T he maj major oritityy of the these se emi emiss ssio ions ns hav havee been already carried out. In the long term the Czech state budget gives only little expenditures into science, research, education. According to your view, is this situation usual in other EU states as well? What measures do you prepare to take in this area? Duriring Du ng the the for forme merr go gove vern rnme ment nt the there re was was a sub substantial increase in science and research funding and thus we came closer to advanced countries standards. It is evident that although we cut expenditures within an overwhelming majority of budget categories, means aimed at science and research are not affected. We are aware of their strategic and growing significance. With regard to the economic development, it is obvious that the Czech Republic significantly exceeds the Maastricht criteria as regards public expenditures as percentage to the GDP. In what time period is it tangible that we manage complying with the three-percent deficit and

further criteria essential for the European Monetary Union accession? In the Act on the mid-term expenditure framework where the deficit of public budget expenditure tu ress is sset et uupp fo forr th thre reee ye year arss ah ahea eadd, tthi hiss cr crititer erio ionn will not be accomplished. However, in this respect we are not an exception, neither among other Eurozone states, nor among other EU member states. Yet, the other criteria we should be able to accomplish. The global economic crisis, on the other hand, completely revealed the risks interconnected with economics tied up with one common currency. It also seems that the risks are enormous and by far surpass the advantages as in the case of Latvia, or for instance also Ireland and Spain. What is the result from this situation for the Czech Republic? The common European currency adoption has both its advantages and disadvantages. The current crisis is certainly instructive for the future, ther th eref efor oree we fol follo low w th thee de deve velo lopm pmen entt in the the ccou ounntries adopting the Euro recently with caution. Nonetheless, it is still too early for any serious evaluation. In this connection, could be the Slovak accession to the Euro qualified as premature? Can we expect similar problems arising as in the aforementioned countries? Slov Sl ovak akia ia ado adopt pted ed the the Eur Euroo ju just st rec recen entltlyy, the there refore I would like to avoid all early evaluation of the situation until we get sufficient time series of figures for a thorough analysis. Do you have time for your hobbies? How do you relax? I try to enjoy both active and passive relaxation with sport; I like football and cycling. Unfortunately, I ha have ve not not had had eno enoug ughh titime me for for the these se act activ ivititie iess recently. By Pavlína Holancová I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 13

16.7.2009 8:12:59

award event

Jan Struž, Chairman of Czech Top 100 in his speech

A special thanks to Boston Capital Services Ltd. for making this reportage possible

The CZECH TOP 100 Association published this year the fifteenth ranking “100 Most Important Companies in the Czech Republic”. The ranking of the most important companies of the Czech economy is based on economic data as takings, number of employees, amount of exports, added value, etc. “However dignified the presentation of our rankings always is, this year, when we celebrate our anniversary, we wanted to have a different ceremony. We wanted to prepare something our partners and guests as well as the prize winners will remember for a long time,” said the president of the CZECH TOP 100 Association. And it was a success! On the scene of the National Theatre there were not only the pulpit, logos, screen and dignified men with diplomas. Everything and everybody were pulled into a genuine Moravian wedding (or, better said, a “Borsice wedding”) presented by eighty singers, musicians and dancers aged from five to seventy-four from Moravian Slovakia under Svaty Antoninek, from Borsice near Blatnice, Banov and Nivnice.

CZECH TOP 100

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BOSTON CAPITAL SERVICES LTD. LM_0904_events____4.indd 14

The winners from left: Adam Straňák, Director, Panasonic AVC Networks Czech, s.r.o., Daniel Waclawek, Communication and PR Manager, Moravia Steel, a.s., Jaroslav Kurčík, Member of the Board, Agrofert Holding and General Director PENAM, a.s., Martin Novák, Director, Department of Finance, ČEZ, a.s, Simona Hladíková, Regional Spokesman, RWE Transgas, a.s., Krzystof Urbanowicz, General Director, UNIPETROL, a.s., Klaus Dierkes, Member of the Board, Škoda Auto, a.s., Jan Juchelka, Member of the Board, Komerční banka, Jan Struž, Chairman of Czech Top 100, and Jiří Borovec, General Director of Čepro, a.s.

15.7.2009 20:12:10

From left: Mrs. Mühlfeit, Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman of Microsoft Europe Corporation, Ms. Karolína Žižková, Otto Jelínek, Chairman of Colliers International

PhDr. Milan Smutný, Spokesman, AAA Auto a.s. and Zdena Štěpánková, Managing Director, KA Production s.r.o.

Josef Mašín, Vice-Chairman of the Board, Metalimex a.s. and his wife

From left: Prof. Ing. Stanislava Hronová, CSc., Prorector for Science and Research, VŠE, V. Hrabal, Boršičané, Prof. Ing. Richard Hindls, CSc., dr. H. C., Rector of VŠE

From left: Petr Dufek, Editor-in-Chief, SportPress with wife and Vladimír Šulc, Executive Director, Value Added, a.s. with wife

PhDr. Libuše Piherová, Director of Národní Knihovna and her husband Alois

From left: Zdeněk Zbytek, President of Klub Rusko, Jan Struž, Chairman of Czech Top 100, Jaroslav Masopust, Managing Director of Mold Vin cz, s.r.o., Ing. Pavel Bobošík, Business Consultant Management, BCM a.s., Ing. Jana Bobošíková, former Member of European Parliament and Arnošt Brož

LM_0904_events____4.indd 15

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BOSTON CAPITAL SERVICES LTD. 15.7.2009 20:12:38

From left: Václav Papoušek, Finance Department Manager, Linde Gas a.s., Ms. Eva Moravcová, Senior Manager, KMPG Czech Republic, s.r.o., Ing. Petr Choulík, CSc., General Director, Linde Gas a.s.

From left: Jan Wiesner, President of SČMVD and JUDr. Hana Machačová, Kooperativa with her husband Jiří

From left: Ivo Gajdoš, Director of Business Development, ZTE Corporation and Mrs. Dan Zhang Gajdošová

From left: Ing. Radek Benčík, MBA, General Director of Alstom s.r.o., Mrs. Borovcová and Jiří Borovec, General Director of Čepro, a.s.

Petr Javorek, Head of Business Strategies, Komerční Banka a.s. and his wife

From left: Jiří Hájek, Sport-Press, PhDr. Petr Dufek, Managing Director of Sport-Press with his wife

CZECH TOP 100 LM_0904_events____4.indd 16

From left: Otto Jelínek, Chairman of Colliers International, Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine, Ms. Karolína Žižková, Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Robert Flocius, Director Boston Capital Services Ltd.

16.7.2009 10:41:49

KIND WORDS 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 “The purpose of foreign policy is to influence the politics and actions of other nations in a way that serves your interests and values. The tools available include everything from kind words to cruise missiles.” When I read Madeleine Albright’s comments on foreign policy, I couldn’t help but think how applicable her statement was to so many situations in our lives, be it personally or in business. While speaking kindly to the people we like comes naturally to most of us, many find this exercise a little more challenging in our working lives. But in today’s business environment, a growing number of professionals are learning the benefit of speaking in a positive and friendly manner as a way to motivate and persuade others, and not just because few of us have any cruise missiles at our disposal. Although the kind words Ms. Albright refers to are all part and parcel of the various methods and approaches we use on a daily basis to get what we want, they are often underused commodities. Praise, compliments and positive feedback are all useful tools that we can use to help us get things done in our daily activities. Moreover, they are often much more effective than criticism, threats and strong language. There are many reasons why we should send out a positive message when trying to get people on our side, or convince them to help us accomplish something. Positive statements and praise make people feel good and increase their self-confidence. Moreover, positive reinforcement is a proven motivator of people and encourages them to be more open and receptive to our ideas and suggestions. Compliments can also help establish good relationships with others and encourage the development of a strong rapport. Rapport is defined as the ability to relate to others in a way that creates a climate of trust and understanding. And the quality of the rapport we share with others does influence the way we communicate with them. Although most of us are aware of the many advantages provided by praise and positive feedback, a problematic question that is often raised by my coaching clients is: “How can we achieve what we want and maintain our natural behavioral style?” A couple of years ago, I suggested that one of my clients praise her boss in order to create a better relationship with him. She was baffled by my recom-

mendation. “Praise my boss! Bu Butt how? How can I praise him in a natural and honest way??” sh s e asked. I told her that the best way was to be true to he h rself and smile when the boss said something she foundd iinteresting or funny and to nod when she agreed with him. I also told her to answer her boss’s questions in a positive manner even when she didn’t agree with him. Regardless off the th position of the person we compliment or praise, the bestt way we can do it in an honest and natural way is to simply focus on what he or she does well and ignore the rest. Indeed, last week one of my students pointed out that though it is easy to speak in a positive manner with people we naturally take a liking to, it is much more difficult to develop a positive rapport with someone we don’t necessarily get along or agree with. This is a challenge for all of us. Nevertheless, by focusing on having an objective and productive interaction with others, we can all overcome our spontaneous inclination to dislike people who don’t meet our expectations. Interestingly, as a business coach specializing in communication and cross-cultural issues, I have learned that while achieving this kind of objectivity may be effortless for some, many Czechs I have spoken to find this to be very difficult to achieve. I have often witnessed that though Czechs are in general inclined to behave in a polite and friendly manner, they also place a very high value on sincerity. It is this need for sincerity that often creates a kind of inner conflict when they meet someone they dislike. While some Czechs manage to keep up a polite front and relate to others courteously even when they don’t like them, others are not too concerned about expressing their true feelings for someone they dislike, either by keeping their distance or by adopting a passive-aggressive position. As a foreigner living and working in Prague, I always felt that it was my responsibility to adapt to the Czech culture and the Czech behavioral style. And as a coach I am often observing the way people interact with one another and looking for opportunities to promote better relations. But these past few years, with the evergrowing cosmopolitanism of the Czech capital, I have noticed an urgent need for greater cultural understanding among Czechs working with and for international companies. On one hand, Czechs have worked hard to achieve acceptance and respect on the international stage. And on the other hand, Czechs often feel compelled to

assert their differences and have difficulties adapting to the official business standards. For example, for many Czechs, adapting a certain dress code or learning to speak in public is perceived as learning to act and pretend and not necessarily learning to present themselves in a professional manner While I value and appreciate the natural tendency of Czechs to simply be themselves and behave in a way they feel comfortable with, so as to not have to worry abou ab o t how others will perceive them, I also think that theree ar a e times and situations when it is in our best interest to take a diplomatic approach. After all, how tolerable wooul u d most of us be if we were always ourselves? This is pa particularly true in a global working environment made up of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Having spent almost 10 years living and working in New York City, I am accusto tome m d to fast-paced and energetic way of life. However, af after 14 years in the Czech Republic, I have learned thatt my m outgoing and spontaneous personality isn’t always the h most efficient way to communicate with Czechs. Thhou ough many Czechs appreciate my natural and direct style, I often have to disguise it with the polite introduction everyyon o e customarily adopts: “I am sorry to bother you, wouldd you be so kind…”. Indeed, I often have to soften my behavior to the point where it seems that I must almost plead with Czechs to get something done. If I don’t conform to this convention, I have little chance of achieving much. Nevertheless, though I must often change my behavior to reach my goals, this does not mean I have sacrificed my authenticity. In the given context, I am speaking and behaving appropriately and, more often then not, getting the results I want. While most of us prefer to keep our behavior in line with our own beliefs and values, working in a multicultural environment requires us to leave the familiar behind while accommodating the values of those around us. That forces us to put things into perspective and really ask ourselves what we are trying to accomplish. What we find is that a compromise in behavior and attitude can sometimes be far more productive than letting your natural inclinations determine everything. I

českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 17

16.7.2009 8:13:25

Proofes Pro ofesso fes fe ess ssor or JiJříří Draahhoš or hoš PPreesid ssiident ent nt of o the the Aca th cad ademy ad em myy of m o Scien Scien e ces en cee of the of he Czech he Czech Cz ech Re Reppub puuubblic lic ic P oto: Pho Ph o:: Vl Vlaadi addimír míríírr W m Weeiss isssss

FINANCES ON SCIENCE and Research are not Effectively Used Interviews.indd 18

16.7.2009 11:42:25

An interview with Professor Jiří Drahoš, President of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Professor Jiří Drahoš graduated in physical chemistry from the Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague. Since 1973 he has worked at the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR), where he held the positions of Deputy Director (1992–1995 and 2004–2005) and of Director (1996–2003). In 2003 he was appointed Professor in chemical engineering. Between the years 2005–2008 he worked as Deputy President of the ASCR and since March 2009 he has been the President of the ASCR. Professor Drahoš is also a Visiting Professor at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. He is President of European Federation of Chemical Engineering, Chairman of the section of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology of the Engineering Academy of the Czech Republic, Chairman of the Czech Society of Chemical Engineering, and Vice-Chairman C off the Board off Governors off the Institute off Chemical Technology, Prague, and member off the Board off Directors off the CCzech Association off Chemical Industry. In December 2008 you were elected President of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Why did you stand for this post? I was aware that Professor Pačes ended and did not want to stt andd as a candid didate. t Under d hi his management g t I workkedd as the Vice-President of the Academy for four years. In this function I had the opportunity to participate rather significantly in several activities of the Academy of Sciences. It was thus a certain sense of responsibility. I would resume it by the term obligation to the institution. What priorities did you set? I stressed several things. Firstly, it was the quality of research at the Academy of Sciences. It should increase in a way that the Academy becomes a respected research institution in Europpe. I also accentuated strategi g c coopperation with universities, especially in the area of basic research and development. It is an issue that proved to be crucial during the negotiations on budget. Another important question not only for the Academy, but also for the Czech science is young people in science and research. There are number of scientific disciplines that suffer from lack of people. It concerns especially natural and technical disciplines. One of the possible solutions is to attract young researchers from abroad, for example by special-purpose projects, grants, or by institute support. How do you want to attract young people from Czech universities? PhD studies are carried out by universities that have contracts on cooperation with institutes of the Academy. Students have a part-time job at the Academy. Unlike some universities we put a great emphasis on research activities themselves. Students of course have to pass a certain number of exams as well. It means learning scientific work by practise. In addition to finances it is also a question of attractive personalities at the institutes of the Academy. Students follow the people. If these personalities give lectures at universities, students have the opportunity to get to know them, and then they may decide to do their PhD studies at the Academy of Sciences. How many PhD students do you have and in which disciplines? Currently the Academy of Science is training over 2,000 PhD students. It is a rather big number. However, their division is not even. There is a number of disciplines such as the technical ones that are facing a relative lack of students. It is because many students do not study these subjects at universities. On the other hand, there are disciplines such as biomedicine or genetics where we have a lot of students. I think that th at uuni nive vers rsititie iess wo woul uldd no nott ge gett al alon ongg wi with thou outt th thee co coop oper erat atio ionn with the Academy. It is because of the number and quality of people working at the Academy and universities themselves would not manage it in some disciplines. You talked about improving the quality of research and how to reach the European level in it. In which disciplines is the quality of research of the Academy comparable with Europe? In a number of disciplines, definitely; for example I would mention antiviral preparations or quantum chemistry. Our research in physical or biological sciences is of a high quality as wellll. I cannot omiit our hhiistorians i andd lilinguists. i ItI is bbetter to compare natural sciences than social sciences in the

European context, because it is very difficult to assess the level of Czech studies or linguists dealing with the Czech language from the international perspective. It is more difficult to measure it. But it is evident that there are disciplines and peoplle iin th the Academy d thatt belong l g to tthhe ttop nott only l att European level, but also in the world. What is your opinion on the reform of science and research? It is certainly an action that was in principle needful, but it did not end by far in a way how it should. What we have now is just a part of the intended reform. The number of budgetary chapters through which money flows into science and research was successfully decreased from 22 to 11. However, it is still quite a great amount. What was not managed at all is the pr p evention of the inefficient use of moneyy in research,, and the implementation of quality methodology for the assessment of science and research. What specifically you do not agree with? The principal objection of every rational person is that it is not possible to concentrate everything into one number. The result of the new methodology is a kind of total number of points that result for example from putting together apples, pears, plums, or technical, natural and social sciences, patents, and new technologies. All that was included into one universal table within which these outputs were assigned a certain number of points. These points are then counted up, and on the basis of adjusted calculation, financial resources are allocated to the workplaces. The worst thing is that numbers of points for the outputs were assigned without any previous analysis of the impact of the methodology. This deeply offends me as a scientist. To use a model without any verification, without finding out what impact it will have, is inadmissible. Furthermore, this methodology was immediately applied without any evaluation during the proposal of state budget on science and research which harmed the Academy of Sciences very much. Unfortunately, this methodology does not support quality, but quantity. It stimulates scientists to behave pragmatically and get points that are of minimum value from the point of view of research quality and international reputation. Do you think it is possible to change it? I am an optimist in this respect. Many of those who participated in the methodology became aware that this methodology is quite far from being perfect. There is an effort to improve it. Recently we have set up a working group at the Academy including respected people. We are also trying to get experts from abroad who focus on this issue. Our aim is to to pr prop opos osee su such ch a met metho hodo dolo logy gy tha thatt wo woul uldd la lack ck cur curre rent nt simplification and discipline problems. It will of course take some time. We hope we will be able to prepare something during this year that would be also acceptable for colleagues from universities. We want to cooperate with them for that matter. Our initiative stems from the concept of assessment meth me thod odol olog ogyy th that at the the Aca Acade demy my of of Sc Scie ienc nces es pro propo pose sedd at the the beginning of 2008 and that was fully ignored by the Council for research and development. A better use of research results in practise has been discussed in the context of science and research reform. In what areas do you cooperate with the private sector the most?

Currently we cooperate rather with foreign than with domestic firms. The biggest income is from chemical and biological sciences, because lot of licences that are applied in practice are just from these areas. Also the Institute of the C zechh L anguag g ge hhas interesti t tingg output t t s. It ellabborattedd for example software for the analysis of language that are commercially usable. But the upper-mentioned applications are not divided evenly. Their share is logically far bigger in the area of natural and technical sciences than in humanities and social sciences. You are a chemist. You probably do not have much time for science. You are right. I almost left science already and also finished with giving lectures at the Institute of Chemical Technology in Praggue;; because I was not able to gu g arantee that I could devote myself four hours a week to students. I did it for years, but by the transfer to the current function it was not possible any more. I regret it. I could regret less the scientific activity itself. If someone is 60 years old, objectively speaking he or she does not think of many original things. In natural and technical sciences the main ideas come when people are between 30-45 years old. I know of course many people who are older than me and who are still coming with very interesting thoughts. But in average I would say that what people do not think up until they are 50 years old, they do not mostly manage to do later. Then the view is based rather on synthesis. You have knowledge from many disciplines and often also team and managerial experience. What brought you to chemistry? I had very good teachers of chemistry at the elementary and secondary schools. At the secondary school and this is maybe interesting, I was taught by a married couple. He taught me chemistry and his wife Russian. I quite liked the Russian language and for a while I was hesitating whether I should have studied comparative literature or chemistry. In the end, chemistry won because the professor herself told me that it was better to live on chemistry and have languages as a hobby than vice versa. It was in 1967 and at that time it was true in any case. I also played the trumpet at that time and the director of people’s school of art persuaded me to go to study this instrument alongside chemistry. I was considering this option for a while, but then I had health problems that prevented me from playing the trumpet. So I did not go to the conservatory and instead of the trumpet I play the fipple flute and sing in a choir. In what choir do you sing? Over 35 years I have sung in the chamber choir Canticorum ru m iu iubi bilo lo.. It iiss a gr grea eatt re rela laxa xatition on ffor or m me. e. I ffor orge gett al alll pr prob oble lems ms when I sing. What kind of music do you like? I like Bach, Handel or Haydn, from the more modern period Stravinsky and Hindemith. My favourite Czech authors of choral music are Leoš Janáček and Bohuslav Martinů. I also lilike ke tthe he w wor orkk of ZZde deně někk Lu Luká kášš an andd Pe Petrtr EEbe benn. W Wee si sing ng tthe he works of all the upper-mentioned authors in our choir often and with pleasure. By Zuzana Kasáková I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 19

16.7.2009 8:14:08

networking/discussion event

Partners of this Round Table were RWE Transgas, Škoda Power and Česká plynárenská.

A special thanks to Iﬁeld Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible

Doc. Ing. Ľubomír Jahnátek, CSc., Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic

Round Table of Comenius ´ with Dr. Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic and Lubomír Jahnátek, Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic TOP Hotel Praha, May 5, 2009 The third “Round Table of Comenius“ in 2009 took place on May 5 at the TOP Hotel Praha. The VIP guest was the forefront representative of the CR’s closest neighbor state Dr. Robert Fico. Unfortunately, just few hours before the start of the Round Table, Prime Minister Fico had to unexpectedly return to Slovakia to deal with the changes in his cabinet, and the Prime Minister Fico’s role was taken up by the Minister of Economy Mr. Ľubomír Jahnátek. Mr. Jahnátek began the Round Table by a very in-depth overview of the Slovak economy and then gave room to the questions addressed to him by the participants of the Round Table, among whom was the Chairman of the Office for the Protection of Competition Mr. Martin Pecina, ČEZ board member Mr. Martin Novák, ČEZ Director of Investments Mr. Peter Bodnár, Project Manager of the Nuclear Power Plant Jaslovské Bohunice Mr. Ivo Kouklík, Director of the Czech Banking Association Mr. Josef Tauber, General Director of RWE Transgas Mr. Martin Herrmann, General Director of Škoda Power Mr. Jiří Zapletal or the Director of Gazprom Export for CR Mr. Roald Piskoppel. The most discussed issues included implementation and advantages of tax incentives for purchases of new cars in Slovakia, Euro adoption in Slovakia, as well as media culture in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, or perception of Russian Federation in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The last one of these themes sparked several reactions and gained particularly wide attention in connection with the Czech Airlines privatization and this year’s gas crisis in Ukraine. While the alleged security risks posed by companies such as Gazprom and Aeroflot, fiercely debated in the Czech media, were mentioned, Mr. Jahnátek stressed that the government of Robert Fico makes no differences between Russian partners and partners from EU or other Western countries, and that their experience with partners from either one of the regions does not differ in any way. Finally, Mr. Jahnátek underlined a very positive and helpful role the Czech Republic has played at the height of the gas shortage in Slovakia, and also used the opportunity to praise the work of RWE Transgas during this period. Representatives of Slovakia as well as significant Czech participants appreciated the mutual partnership ties and overall exquisite traditional relationship between both countries from which Slovakia and the Czech Republic can profit in the future years to come.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY LM_0904_events_1.indd 20

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Congress Hall of Top Hotel Praha

16.7.2009 12:23:19

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

From left: JUDr. Petr Toman, Advocate, Eduard Pálka, Partner Česká plynárenská and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius

From left: Josef Rada, General Director, Civil Aviation Authority of the Czech Republic, Mrs. Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy, Mrs. Tereza Fajtlová and Petr Fajtl, Planning and Development Director, Air Navigation Services Czech Republic

LM_0904_events_1.indd 21

networking/discussion event

From left: Ing. Zdeněk Pánek, MBA, Director of EU Funds Divison, Taciturne a.s. and Mgr. Michael John, MBA, Chairman of the Board, Taciturne a.s.

From left: Tomáš Čáp, Executive Vice President, Comenius, Jan Tašek, Managing Director & CoPartner, ASE s.r.o., Jiří Vacek, CoOwner, Avanti, Miloslava Procházková, CoOwner, Avanti, Milan Hradický, Member of the Board of Directors, IMG a.s.

15.7.2009 18:45:16

networking/discussion event

From left: Ing. Miloslava Veselá, Owner & Director Top Expo, Ltd., Stanislav Beneš, Consultant ČDTelematika a.s. and Jan Wiesner, President, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Co-operatives

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

From left: JUDr. Vladimír Ermakov, CSc, President, Vemex, Alexander Akulinin, Project Manager, Russian & CIS Operations, Comenius and Roald Piskoppel, Head of the Representation, Gazprom Export ČR

Martin Herrmann, Chairman and CEO of RWE Transgas a.s.

From left: Peter Bodnár, Director Investment Division, ČEZ, a. s., Jiří Zapletal, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Škoda Power a.s. and Ivo Kouklík, Director Nuclear Power Analysis ČEZ, a. s.

From left: Mrs. Jana Nagyová, Director of Minister Cabinet, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and Ing. Eva Trotter, CFA, Member of the Board of Directors PEM-Invest, a.s. From left: Vladimír Plašil, Chairman of the Board, Alta Co. and Ladislav Bodnár, Commercial Counsellor, Slovak Embassy in Prague

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY LM_0904_events_1.indd 22

From left: Doc. Ing. Ľubomír Jahnátek, CSc., Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic and Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius

15.7.2009 18:45:50

A special thanks to Iﬁeld Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible

networking/discussion event

From left: Rostislav Vondruška, Minister for Regional Development and Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius

The fourth “Round Table of Comenius” of 2009 took place on May 27 at the hotel Best Western Kampa. The VIP guest of the Round Table was the Minister for Regional Development from the newly appointed temporary government of the CR, Rostislav Vondruška.

Round Table of Comenius with Ing. Rostislav Vondruška, Minister for Regional Development Given the fact that during the last year a large portion of the participants attended altogether three Round Tables of Comenius with three different ministers for regional development the high fluctuation of ministers was one of the most debated issues. Rostislav Vondruška was confronted with a question, which was voiced out by several participants of the dinner, whether he in fact can significantly contribute to the regional development or to the work of the ministry during such a short time frame which his limited mandate offers. The strong representation of the tourist and travel industries to a large extent led to the lively discussion about the rapidly worsening statistics in incoming tourism.

The beautiful hall in Best Western Hotel Kampa

LM_0904_events__2.indd 23

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY 16.7.2009 11:37:19

networking/discussion event

From left: Tomáš Míka, Comenius, Petr Jareš, Business & Marketing Director, Et netera, a.s. and Tomáš Čáp, Vice President, Comenius

From left: Karel Procházka, Managing Director, Guarant International spol. s r.o. and Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY

Tomáš Zeman, CEO, Zenova Services, s.r.o.

From left: Miroslav Kalous, Deputy Minister for Regional Development and Petr Toman, Partner AK Toman, Devátý & Partneři

Further concerns about the state of the industry were expressed by Viliam Sivek, Chairman of the Board of EuroAgentur Hotels & Travel and Chairman of the Association of Czech Travel Agents in one person, as well as by Karel Procházka, General Director of GUARANT International. Besides the Minister Rostislav Vondruška the Ministry for Regional Development was also represented by the 1st Deputy Minister Martin Plachý, Deputy Minister for Regional, Land-Use and Housing Policy Miroslav Kalous, and the Director of Development Programs in Travel Industry Pavel Franěk.

LM_0904_events__2.indd 24

From left: Viliam Sivek, Chairman of the Board and General Director, EuroAgentur Hotels & Travel, a.s., Rostislav Vondruška, Minister for Regional Development, Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius and Jiří Košťál, S&T CZ, s.r.o.

24.7.2009 9:54:10

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

networking/discussion event

From left: Ing. Petr Hotovec, Zenova Services s.r.o., Jaroslav Šafránek, Key Account Manager S&T CZ, s.r.o., Jiří Košťál S&T CZ, s.r.o. and Tomáš Zeman, CEO, Zenova Services, s.r.o. Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman Europe, Microsoft Corporation

Jiří Košťál, S&T CZ, s.r.o.

Pavel Hlinka, General Director, Orea Hotels, s.r.o.

From left: Mrs. Šárka Parobek, Director Ifield Computer Consultancy, George Parobek, General Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius

LM_0904_events__2.indd 25

From left: Tomáš Cikán, General Director, Eso Travel, s.r.o. and Jaromír Beránek, General Director, MAG Consulting

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY 24.7.2009 9:54:27

networking/discussion event

A special thanks to Iﬁeld Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible Minister Pecina was joined by his 1st Deputy Minister col. Dr. Jiří Komorous and the Director of Alien Police col. Vladislav Husák. Topics discussed at the dinner then reflected the professional background of these gentlemen. While the Minister Pecina focused on the issues of e-government and police reforms, Deputy Minister Komorous focused on the fight against extremism and drug distribution and col. Husák on immigration.

Ing. Martin Pecina, MBA, Minister, Ministry of Interior ČR

Some of the most debated issues included the need to improve the current police reform and the possibilities of carrying out these improvements during the shortened mandate of the current minister. Referring to the considerable success which extremist political parties recorded across the whole European Union during the recent elections to the European Parliament Deputy Minister Komorous stressed the need of systematic policy to counter the rising rightist as well as leftist extremism. Furthermore, Deputy Minister Komorous pointed out the role of the media in this issue and the amount of coverage which extremist parties and groups receive.

Round Table of Comenius with Minister of Interior Martin Pecina at Top Hotel Praha June 9, 2009

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY LM_0904_events__2.indd 26

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Ing. Vladimír Dohnal, Chairman of the Board, Top Hotels Group a.s.

16.7.2009 12:20:54

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

networking/discussion event

From left: Albín Sybera Jr., Advisor to the President Comenius, Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy and PhDr. Albín Sybera, General Director, Sybera Enterprises spol. s r.o.

From left: Col. Vladislav Husák, Director, Directorate of Alien Police and Benke Aikell, your Publisher Petr Sedláček, General Director, Česká Pošta and Renata Telínová, Chairwoman, scanservice a.s.

From left: Tomáš Pleskač, 2nd Vice-Chairman of the Directors Board, Division International, ČEZ a.s. and Vladimír Plašil, Chairman of the Board, Alta, a.s.

From left: Jan Wiesner, President, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Co-operatives, Václav Studený, Executive Director, ČD-Telematika a.s.

Last but not least Minister Pecina and col. Husák had to face pressing questions about the Czech immigration policies. On one hand the Czech Republic needs an influx of talented brains from developing countries and its restrictive immigration policies are depriving the country of these brains. On the other hand, however, the Czech Republic is facing a rise in criminality rate among the immigrants from the developing countries. Minister Pecina stressed that it is very difficult to achieve an optimal solution of this issue as it is impossible to deal with immigration on individual bases and just as difficult to search for real talents, so needed by the Czech Republic, among the rising immigration.

LM_0904_events__2.indd 27

From left: PhDr. Albín Sybera, General Director, Sybera Enterprises spol. s r.o., George Parobek, General Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman Europe, Microsoft

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY From left: Ms. Šárka Koutná, Supervisor of the Minister Martina Pecina Office, Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius, col. Jiří Komorous, First Deputy Minister, Ministry of Interior ČR, Ing. Martin Pecina, MBA, Minister of Interior ČR and JUDr. Karel Muzikář, Managing Partner Weil, Gotshal&Manges v.o.s.

16.7.2009 14:40:37

networking/discussion event

From left: Petr Sedláček, General Director, Česká Pošta, s.p., Petr Zatloukal, Deputy of General Director, Česká Pošta, s.p. and Vladislav Husák, Director, of Alien Police

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY

Mrs. Kateřina Luisa Daňhelová, Chairwoman of the Board Synot W a.s. and Jiří Hejduk, General Director, IDS Scheer ČR

Pavel Dvořák, Chairman of the Board Czech Telecommunication Office

From left: Jan Vítů, Chief Executive Head, Döllken CZ s.r.o., Marie Martinková, Managing Director, SGS a.s. and Ing. Stanislav Novák, Vice President Comenius

Mrs. Monika Vondráková, PR & Marketing Manager, RSJ Invest, a.s.

Mrs. Miloslava Procházková, Owner, AVANTI and Ing. Jiří Vacek, Co-Owner, AVANTI

LM_0904_events__2.indd 28

Round Table of Comenius...

From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius, Mrs. Tereza Fajtlová, George Parobek, General Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Petr Fajtl, Planning and Development Director, Air Navigation Services Czech Republic

16.7.2009 12:22:08

A special thanks to Iﬁeld Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible

networking/discussion event

From left: Ing. Eduard Janota, Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic and Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Round Table of Comenius with Mr. Eduard Janota, Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic The sixth “Round Table of Comenius” of 2009 took place on July 2 at the ZOOM Unique Place Restaurant at the Prague Congress Centre and its VIP guest was the Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic Mr. Eduard Janota. As a non-political minister Mr. Eduard Janota spoke openly about the long term crisis of the Czech state budget, which in a view of the global economic crisis and its impact on the downfall of the Czech economy became ever more imminent. Mr. Janota believes that unless a radical shift in the state budget policy is implemented, particularly ending of the generous state expenditures despite the parliamentary unwillingness to do so, then the Czech Republic will face the destiny of Latvia, that is, bankruptcy of the state finances. In this connection Minister Janota also pointed out the dangerous populism of the political parties which will be further heightened by the upcoming early parliamentary elections.

Aleš Bartůněk, General Director, IBM Česká Republika, spol. s r.o.

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

LM_0904_events____4.indd 29

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY

15.7.2009 20:10:16

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY

networking/discussion event

From left: PhDr. Michal Lukeš, General Director, National Museum, Mgr. Marta Gellová, Secretary General, AFIZ and Ing. Martin Žáček, CSc., Chairman of the Board and General Director, UNIQA pojišťovna, a.s.

From left: Ing. Michal Reiter, Chairman of the Board, General Director, Skanska DS, a.s., PhDr. Ing. Ivo Klimeš, General Director, INTRUM JUSTITIA s.r.o. and Ing. Miroslav Sedlák, General Director, Sodexo Pass, ČR a.s.

From left: Milena Rybková, Interpreter, Microsoft Czech Republic and Jane Gilson, General Director, Microsoft Czech Republic

From left: Ms. Jaroslava Matoušková, Manager, Public Relations, OVB Allfinanz, a.s., Michal Donath, General Director, DONATH-BURSON-MARSTELLER s.r.o. and Pavel Uzel, Chairman of the Board, OVB Allfinanz, a.s.

From left: Tomáš Jelínek, Executive Director, DONATHBURSON-MARSTELLER s.r.o. and Petr Soukup, Managing Partner, Stance Communications, s.r.o.

Josef Kotrba, Partner in Charge, Financial Advisory Deloitte ČR

From left: Ing. Vladimír Staňura, Chairman of the Board, ČESKOMORAVSKÁ STAVEBNÍ SPOŘITELNA, a.s., Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius and Mgr. Ondřej Jakob, Head of Communication Department, Spokesman Ministry of Finance

LM_0904_events____4.indd 30

From left: Vladimír Vaněk, Partner Risk Services, Deloitte CR and Drahomír Ruta, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Pražská energetika, a.s. From left: Mgr. Tomáš Chalupa, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 6, Ing. Jan Oberman, CEO, KORADO CONSULTING s.r.o. and Leon Tsukernik, Owner of CASINO KINGS

Panel, From left: Pavel Uzel, Chairman of the Board, OVB Allfinanz, a.s., Ing. Karel Feix, CEO, KAPSCH TELEMATIC SERVICES s.r.o., Ing. Eduard Janota, Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic, Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President of Comenius, Aleš Bartůněk, General Director, IBM ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA, spol. s r.o., Ing. Miroslav Toman, President, Agrotrade, a.s., JUDr. Ing. Miloslav Ludvík, Director of FN Motol, Ing. Karel Pleva, MBA, Chairman of the Board and General Director, EGAP, a.s., and Ing. Petr Sedláček, General Director, Czech Post, s.p.

16.7.2009 14:46:08

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

networking/discussion event

From left: PhDr. Michal Lukeš, General Director, National Museum, Col. Mgr. Vladislav Husák, Director of Alien Police and Petr Kužel, President of Czech Chamber of Commerce

From left: Radovan Sitař, Publisher of PARLAMENT, VLÁDA, SAMOSPRÁVA and Albín Sybera jr., Adviser to the President of Comenius From left: František Dostálek, Managing Partner, KPMG ČR and Ing. Eduard Janota, Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic

Mgr. Jana Čechová Náplavová, Counsellor at Law, SYNOT TIP, a.s. and Petr Mikoška Executive Director, SYNOT TIP, a.s.

From left: Ing. Karel Pleva, MBA, Chairman of the Board and General Director, EGAP, a.s., JUDr. Miroslav Jansta, Managing Partner, AK JANSTA & KOSTKA, JUDr. Kateřina Janstová, Managing Partner AK JANSTOVÁ, SMETANA & PARTNEŘI and Ing. Vladimír Plašil, Chairman of the Board, ALTA, a.s.

From left: Dipl.-Ing. Zdeněk Muzikář, CEO Merkuria Handels-AG, Ing. Miroslav Toman CSc., President Agrotrade, a.s. and Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President of Comenius

From left: Ing. Petr Choulík, CSc., General Director, Lindegas, a.s., JUDr. Petra Buzková, Partner, AK Vyroubal Krajhanzl Školout a spol. and Mgr. Tomáš Chalupa, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 6

LM_0904_events____4.indd 31

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY

16.7.2009 14:47:11

Raimon Rai oondas dass BBaaran da raan ranaus anauskas aus uusskas kaas Prreesid Pre siiddeent si nntt off AB AB Ba Bankk SNO SSN N NO NORA ORAS RRAAS AS Photo: Pho to Ar AArchi rchi chive ch hivee

AB BANK SNORAS Continues a Profitable Growth and does not Decline the Expansion Plans Interviews.indd 32

16.7.2009 8:14:43

An interview with Raimondas Baranauskas, President of AB Bank SNORAS AB Bank SNORAS, operating in the Lithuanian market for seventeen years, presently provides services to over a million clients or to every third resident of the country. Even under the current market conditions, Bank SNORAS earned over LTL 20 million (almost EUR 6 million) profit in the first quarter this year. As Raimondas Baranauskas, the president of this bank and one of its main shareholders, states, Bank SNORAS constantly works profitably because it understands the market well, values its clients and creates new products. The strongest players on the market, in his opinion, do not endeavour to survive through the crisis but rather to accept it as a challenge and opportunity for further expansion. The present economic situation, according to Mr. Baranauskas, is the most appropriate time for investing in expansion, with a 5–10-year outlook. How do you plan to succeed in the current crisis conditions? Has the crises affected your business in the Czech Republic? Due to the long-term rational crediting policy, Bank SNORAS has suffered less from the global credit crisis than other participants in the Lithuanian financial market. The timely decisions of Bank SNORAS on business optimization, effe ef fect ctiv ivee ririsk sk m man anag agem emen entt an andd go good od bbus usin ines esss diversification also made an impact on it. We m man anag agee ou ourr bu busi sine ness ss w wel elll, tthe here refo fore re w wee fa faced the crisis not seeking to survive but accepting it as a challenge and opportunity for expansion. Timely, thought-out decisions, has allowed us to work profitably during a crisis, too. Even in the period of the recession we do continue expansion. Bank SNORAS is the leader of the Lithuanian retail banking, and in the recent years we gained a foothold in the national business banking; therefore, it was important to strengthen the positions in the spheres of investment management and private banking. For this purp pu rpos osee, B Ban ankk SN SNOR ORAS AS’ss B Boa oard rd aado dopt pted ed a dec deciision to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of Bank “Finasta” which is the leading investment bank in Lithuania. Bank SNORAS made this step with a 5 to 10-year outlook – the economic recession will be inevitably replaced by an upturn, thus investment banking will revive in the long-term outlook. Moreover, right now is truly the proper time to take over new companies. Back in 2005 AB Bank SNORAS acquired AB “Latvijas Krajbanka”, which is the oldest successfully operating bank in the neighbouring L atviia. Speaking about the Czech Republic, the crisis did not make a greater negative impact on the bank’s activity. Like in other countries, in the Czech Republic we are also trying to find new opportuniitiies for business i expansion i duri d ing the h crisis. Which actions do you take to survive through the crisis? We should not stop during the economic crisis, we need to make further improvements, and thus we devote a lot of attention to optimizing the bank’s activity. Presently we are implementing the informational banking system FlexCube, which manages business processes and is internationally recognized; it is implemented by more

than 300 companies in 120 countries. As Bank SNORAS group continues its expansion, it is paramount that the processes in all group companies providing the banking services would be regulated by one system. Furthermore, this technological innovation will permit to adapt the bank’s activity according to the standards of the modern banking. We do do no nott st stop op at at th thes esee in inve vest stme ment ntss. Thi T hiss ye year ar we endeavour to adapt our network to the requirement me ntss po pose sedd in the the Sin Singl glee Eu Euro ro Pay Payme ment nt Are Areaa (SEPA); therefore, just within the first half of this year we invested over LTL 7 million (over EUR 2 million) in modernizing the bank’s ATM network. Bank SNORAS has had its representative office in Prague for three years already. For which purpose did you enter this market? Bank SNORAS operates in six foreign states. We have our representative offices in five countries: in the Czech Republic, Belgium, Latvia, Ukraine and Belarus as well as a branch in Estonia. Establishment of the representative offifice ce in in Pr Prag ague ue was was our our pla plann nned ed ste stepp wh whililee pe perrforming expansion in Central Europe. This region is attractive because it is a rapidly developing member state of the European Union. After we came to the market of the Czech Republic, we assessed both the attractive geographical position of the Czech Republic in Europe and prospects of economic growth and active business. Another very important aspect is that in the spheres of tourism, trade and investments the Czech Republic actively cooperates with CIS member states where Bank SNORAS has quite a few clilients andd partners. At thhe same time, i entering the market of the Czech Republic, where rather strong branches of Czech, Austrian and other famous European banks operate, was a challenge to us and a test of our powers and qualility off our ser vices. i We W have been b successfully carrying out our activity in the Czech Republic for three years already, and it is an excellent proof that we are trusted and valued here. What are your goals and the planned strategy in the Czech Republic? During the first three years, we thoroughly examined the market of the Czech Republic and we familiarized ourselves with the business communities operating here; therefore, now we can even more clearly plan our activity in this country. We

plan to further contribute to the developing of business relations between Lithuania and the Czech Republic by representing the interests of our customers. Which services does Bank SNORAS representative office in the Czech Republic offer? As I have mentioned, quite a few clients of Bank SNOR SN ORAS AS in in th thee Ea East st hav havee bu busi sine ness ss int inter eres ests ts in in Central Europe. Understanding the market of the Czec Cz echh Re Repu publ blic ic, we pro provi vide de the them m wi with th var vario ious us consultations. For companies involved in organising export and import, we provide letters of credit, services of settlement operations. For investors we help to safely and expeditiously transfer the funds designated for investment projects. For private clients we offer investment and savings programmes. We have a lot of work experience with the clients both in Eastern and Western countries; therefore, Bank SNORAS advantage is the ability to coordinate the needs of customers in Eastern countries with the compete pe tenc ncee of m mar arke kets ts iinn We West ster ernn co coun untr trie iess. O Our ur exclusive feature – attention to every client and ability to maintain a high standard of service provision while working with customers from various countries. Which clients do you cater to? Our main clients in the Czech Republic are international companies working both in the Eastern and Western markets, being involved in investment activity, organisation of export and import. We cater to the clients, who need our exclusive experience as well as competence in various markets in Rus R sia, i Eastern E andd Western W Europe. E CustoC mers value our reliability and exclusive attention to them. In Lithuania we have the most expansive customer service network, so we are trustworthy partners for our clients; however, at the same time we are thhe bank b k, whhose structure allllows consid idering the needs of each client individually. I think our customers appreciate that the most. Do you like Prague? Yes. I am fond of Prague. It is a marvellous city with a very beautiful old town and nice people. It’s a pity I cannot enjoy longer visits in Prague. Compiled by LM I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 33

16.7.2009 14:48:22

interview

MUDr. Štěpánka Stehlíková Diabetologist of the Department of Diabetology of the Na Homolce Hospital Photo: Vladimír Weiss

Interviews.indd 34

16.7.2009 8:15:34

An interview with MUDr. Štěpánka Stehlíková, Diabetologiist of the Department of Diabetology of the Na Homolce Hospitaal

Each of us Should Now and Again Come to Think of their Living Style and Change What Is Possible Why did you choose this professional field, what attracted you most? Initially, I worked as an internist; I have pursued diabetology for last ten years. Diabetes mellituus is a chronic disorder with a variety of complicatioons; the most significant are the cardio-vascular onnes. It is usually followed by other illnesses as obesity, hypertension and lipid dysbolism. A success sful treatment of a patient requires deep understandding of internal disorders and vice versa, the knowledge is necessary for successful treatment. According to statistics, the majority of patients suffer from type 2 diabetes. What are its causes? 90 percent of our patients suffer from type 2 diabetes. The constant grow of figures of ill people is explicitly related to their unsuitable living standaard. Growing body weight is the consequence of oveereating and the decrease of physical activity is very often related to “personal comfort”… According to you, is there sufficient prevention in the Czech Republic? Preventive steps are considered both here and abroad as necessary for fighting the growing occurrence of diabetes mellitus. Not only the sicknness rate and mortality but health care costs as well can be influenced by the means of preventive steps. We currently focus on blood sugar screening and glucose tolerance in persons over 45 years and body mass index (BMI) in people over 25 years. According to the latest world study, a diet is very importt ant for prevention, yet the increase in physical activities is the most significant measure. What are the results of the Czech Republic in comparison with other advanced EU states concerning the disorder occurrence? The occurrence grow affects both types of diabetes. The type 2 diabetes occurrence is highhest in Germany and Austria, followed by the Czzech Republic, Hungary, Italy and France. The lowestt incidence is in Great Britain. The type 1 diabetes has a completely different reason of origin. The highhest occurrence is in Finland. In Norway, Sweden and Denmark, the increase in the number of patieents almost stopped. On the other hand, the type 2 diabetes is still spreading in the Czech Republic.

Is there enough financial means spent on research and diabetes treatment itself in the Czech Republic? The pharmacological industry has developed a variety of new preparations aimed at diabetes treatment in the last decade (oral antidiabetic drugs; insulins; insulin application tools; tools for monitoring blood sugar level). The options of diabetes treatment in the Czech Republic are comparable to the other EU states. For instance, a joint project of the Czech Diabetology Association and the Society of General Practice – the MOET DM2 – was founded in 2008. Its main goal is the patient’s prognosis improvement by the means of effective treatment. It particularly means the implementation of up-todate recommended procedures of type 2 diabetes treatment and the collection of data necessary for pharmacologic and economic evaluation. What type of patients do you meet most often? The Department of Diabetology of the Na Homolce Hospital has certain specific features which are related to the hospital focus. We take care of regular check-ups of patients in our outpatients department and at the same time we treat the hospitalized patients. Our hospital disposes of one of the largest cardio centres in the Czech Republic. We more and more cooperate very closely with cardiologists, e.g. in the therapy of diabetics after myocardial infarction. I prepare diabetic patients for cardiologists when complex surgeries of the heart are performed, I also take care of the patients after the surgery. I prepare obese patients for surgical treatment in cooperation with the Metabolic Unit. Our hospital takes care of foreign patients as well. I continually follow up diabetic patients from 25 embassies. In general we can say that our hospital welcomes any diabetic patient who has been decompensated for a long time. The Hospital Na Homolce is a prestigious hospital institution at the European level. Could you specify the research that is carried out in the field of diabetes treatment? The Hospital Na Homolce cooperates with reputable foreign workplaces on a long-term basis. From 2003 to 2008 we cooperated on the project BARI 2D with the University Hospital Pittsburgh. This

project was aiimed at the comparison of variouus types of treatm ment of the ischemic heart diseasse with directly deetermined cure of the type 2 diabetess. The results of the research were presented at the Conference of the American Diabetes Association in New Orleanss in June this year. The main focus of diabetes projeccts lies in the monitoring of the effecct of medicinal treatment during the early stage of their developm ment, or in the research of new ideaal methods of diaabetes treatment. These are alwayys international multi-faceted projects of the mosst significant phaarmaceutical companies. At present, the research of diabetes treatment concentrates on a unique transplantation method. Could you specify what is brought about by this method? A transplantt can enable a diabetic type 1 patiennt maintain a norrmal blood glucose level. Most oftenn, combined trannsplantation of pancreas and kidneey have been carrried out in type 1 diabetic patientt s suffering from kidney disorders in the stage of renaal failure. In recent years, studies of the islets of Langerhans traansplantation have been carried outt. This method is suitable for a diabetic in whom m the benefit of alternative organs exceeds the riskks of subsequentt lifelong administration of immunoosuppressive medicaments. So, the transplantation cannot be usedd widely. Is there any hope for all types of diabetics that they will be completely cured one day? Each of us should now and again come to thinnk of their lifestyle and change what is possible. Meedicine has its limits. Hope is an immense word, yeet only a philosoopher could relate it to the solution of a civilizationn disease. How do you relax? Do you have time for your hobbies? I have manyy hobbies, among others I can name e.g. sport and travelling which help me overcome the everyday stress. I need to have a lot of energg y which I give to my patients so that they could betteer cope with theirr illness. By Pavlína Holancová I českou veerzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.ccz

Leaderss Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 35

16.7.2009 14:52:39

global perspectives

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Jan Muehlfeit Chairman Europe Microsoft Corporation

36 Photo: Paul Pacey

Interviews.indd 36

16.7.2009 8:26:55

TO MIDNIGHT Even before the current econoomical crisis it was becoming obvious that Euroope will soon have to face a significant skills chhallenge. Over the past decade, many both pubblic and commercial leaders have warned thaat Europe was neither producing, nor attracting enough scientists, engineers or IT specialists. Despite of the European Commissions’ Lisbon Aggenda focused on the “knowledge economy” and on increasing European competitiveness in the global market place by 2010 and regardless of various political proclamations, the prevailing lack of young European generation’s interest in technical and scientific studies was a clear andd strong signal that the Europe’s skills gap was noot closing, but rather increasing. Now when we take a look at this issue with a fresh new view in the light of thhe economical crisis, it is clear that addressing this issue becomes more important than ever before. Reality is that the combination of techhnological advan-cements around the world, the increasing pressure on cost effectiveness and the hugely competitive global market place will continue to eliminate many manual jobs. T hat’s why the urgency for solution must be reealized across the economical, social and politiccal spectrums. Should Europe eventually emerge from this economical challenge stronger than before, skills and long-life learning and skills and growth must become our today’s and tomorrow w’s agenda. Let’s be honest, the trend is veryy alarming and the numbers speak for themselvess. For example in the IT industry, there had been a 50% drop in a number of university students in Europe studying IT related subjects over the past year and there is only 10% of women amonggst the remaining ones. If I stick to this example, unfortunately in our fairly conservative Europe, many people still think “technologically” and therefore view the role of a Chief Information Officer or IT Director as purely to oversee thhe company’s helpdesk or to ensure that the corrporate IT systems are up and running. While thoose are clearly essential and important tasks, more and more the role of CIO should be a Board--level position that helps his or her fellow compaany Executives and Shareholders to understand how IT can help to increase the company’s compettitiveness.

Of course this very much applies in the public sector as weell. Pooliticians too need to start to think beyondd IT inffrastructure as a pure cost and I believe the bestt example is in Portugal, where the governm ment has decided, instead of introducing car subsidies unlike many other European governnmentt s, to give out PCs to 500,000 Portuguese studeents. That’s what I would call a great exam mple of an investment into sustainable future grow w th. Should they have any real positive imppact, the government economical and social prrograms will simply need to become more end-too-end and rather than focusing on one-offs, it’ss a time to think really complex. In this respect, I likke the approach of the Danish government,, calleed the Flexicurity that stands for a combinnation of terms Flexibility and Security, in ordder words generous unemployment benefits andd an active labor market policy. Under this moddel, the social unemployment support is guarranteeed, yet at the same time the unemployed indivvidual is required to immediately join a re-skkilling program in order to increase his or herr chances at the labor market and to ensuure thhat the social funds don’t get burnt withouut reaal effect. That too is a great approach to learnn from. As a Co-C Chairm man of the European Industry Leadership Boardd on e-Skills, I have recently had an oppoortunity to participate in a very interesting joint workk on this issue carried out by INSEAD in cooperation with several industry representatives including Microsoft or Shell. Together we havee formulated the following six key actions thatt business and governments can jointly laaunch and undertake immediately: Launch a Europpe-wide public-private alliance to ensure thee re-sskilling of excess labor in times of crisis, Re-focus the Euuropean Structural Funds earmarked for trrainingg and re-training in 2007–2013 towards the sectoors most likely to contribute to Europe’s com mpetitiveness in post-crisis times, Identify annd sccale-up successful public-private initiatives annd partnership aiming at stimulating young peopple’s interest for mathematics, science and careeers in engineering, information and communicatiions technologies and protection of the ennvironnment, ●

●

Enhance and deevelop high-level businessuniversities partnerships to generate the ‘Global Knowledge Econom my’ skills which Europe needs to realize the benefits of its Lisbon strategy and be a leader in innovation, Encourage skills mobility within Europe, as well as between Euurope and other parts of the world, Foster innovativee approaches to education, including through e-learning and distance learning. Yet even if thesee recommendations are followed up on, one of the other major problems I see in solving this issue is that “ownership of skills” is very muuch fragmented within most of the national govvernments as well as on the European level oveerall. Often it’s not obvious, within the particular given government, whether it is the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Labor and Social Aff fairs or some Governmental agency that are accountable for the comprehensive national skills strategy. Several years ago, when the goals of the Lisbon Agenda were widely accepted as the European mainstream policy aims, each government nominated Mr or Mrs Lisbon who had thhe ultimate and end-to-end responsibility for itss communication and implementation. I believee that for the next decade or so, it would also be very beneficial to do the same with the skills agenda as such central point coordination would hugely help to find synergies and helpp various (both public but also private) playeers join their forces more effectively. If you open an enncyclopedia and you look up the definition of a word “skill”, you will learn that “a skill is the learneed capacity to carry out predetermined results often with the minimum outlay of time, energy, or both”. I believe that for us too, time is of essennce now as it is one minute to midnight for findingg a joint solution to the skills issue in Europe. Lett ’s join our forces, our energy and our great skillss that we already have and address it together. ●

●

Jan Muehlfeit Chairman Eurrope Microsoft Corporation českou verzi naleeznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magaazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 37

16.7.2009 8:27:18

networking/charity

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

From left: Ing. Jiří Opichal, Chief Executive Head, Allimex Trading, spol. s r.o., new President LC Prague Bohemia Ambassador, Fra. Karel Paar, Grand Prior of Maltese Knights and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Past President and Secretary LC Prague Bohemia Ambassador

Guests of Honor: Karel Paar, The Grand Prior of Bohemia and Ing. Jana Flanderová, District Governor Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador at Velkopřevorský Palace

LM_0904_events__2.indd 38

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher receiving Acknowledgments from the hands of Governess, for the promotion of Lions Movement in the prestigious magazine Leaders Magazine and Ing. Jana Flanderová, District Governor 2008–2009 Lions Club International District 122, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

15.7.2009 19:31:38

From left: JUDr. Vojtěch Trapl, Advocate, Past Governor Lions Club International District 122, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic receiving Acknowledgments of the District Governor from the hands of Governess, for the significant help with developing of the Lions Movement, Ing. Jiří Opichal, Chief Executive Head, Allimex Trading, spol. s.r.o., new President LC Prague Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Josef Čekal, President LC Prague Bohemia Ambassador and Ing. Jana Flanderová, District Governor 2008–2009, Lions Club International District 122, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

From left: Ing. Milan Horáček, Lions Club Praha Strahov San Giorgio, Hana Morkos, Interpretations and Translations and Ing. Zdeněk Med, Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador with wife Daniela Jaroslav Hořák, Director, G+R Technology Group

Ing. Jana Flanderová, District Governess 2008–2009 Lions Club International District 122, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and Jiří Málek, Treasurer, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, receiving Acknowledgments of the District Governor from the hands of Governess, for the significant help with developing of the Lions Movement

From left: Mrs. Slámová, Academic Painter, Mrs. Málková and Mrs. Opichalová From left: Mrs. Eva Traplová with daughter Kateřina

From left: JUDr. Jaroslav Novotný, Advocate, Membership Chairperson LC Prague Bohemia Ambassador receiving Acknowledgments of the District Governor for the significant help with developing of the Lions Movement, Ing. Jana Flanderová, District Governess 2008–2009 Lions Club International District 122, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, Tomáš Ryba, Past Governor 2007–2008 Lions Club International, Ing. Tibor Buček, Member GMT, Past Governor LCI District 122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Past President and Secretary LC Prague Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Tomáš Ryba, Past Governor 2007-2008 Lions Club International and Ing. Jaromír Kaulfus, Company Owner, Interkaho, spol. s.r.o. with wife

LM_0904_events__2.indd 39

From left: Zdeněk Petr Koutný, Honorary Consulate Panama, Mgr. Hassan Ezzeddine, Lions Club and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Past President and Secretary LC Prague Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Ing. Jiří Opichal, Chief Executive Head, Allimex Trading, spol. s.r.o, new President LC Prague Bohemia Ambassador receiving Acknowledgments of the District Governor for the significant help with developing of the Lions Movement, Ing. Josef Čekal, President, LC Prague Bohemia Ambassador and Ing. Jana Flanderová, District Governor 2008–2009 Lions Club International District 122, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

16.7.2009 15:10:11

gourmet event

Zinc restaurant has seating in its spacious dining room for up to 110 guests, the Zinc lounge & bar seats 70 people.

From left: Vít Nohejl, Manager, RF Hobby, Ms. Věra Rašková, Owner, Disemo Consulting Interiors, Mrs. Markéta Šebková, Marketing & PR Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town, Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town and Yvetta Hlaváčová, World and Czech Cross the Channel Record Holder

Hilton Prague Old Town Launches “Zinc” Restaurant, Lounge and Bar Hilton Prague Old Town is proud to announce the launch of its new benchmark restaurant, the Zinc restaurant, which hopes to gain distinction as one of Prague’s exciting dining spots. The unique culinary concept combines modern European cuisine with Asian flavours. The professional Hilton Prague Old Town team of Chefs will be headed by Ari Munandar. Zinc offers a personal interpretation of modern and innovative European cuisine. Traditional methods of cooking, based on fresh and seasonal quality ingredients are blended with the exotic tastes, colours and texture of Asian spices. The menu has been created with the greatest care and attention to detail by the hotel Executive Chef Ari Munandar. The Zinc creative concept allows each guest to undergo an unforgettable dining experience. Signature dishes including Crispy Calamari with Spiced Salt and Chilli, Roasted Cashew Nut and Green Mango Salad; Chicken, Coconut and Lemongrasss Soup with Warm Shitake Mushroom Brioche; Corn Fed Spring Chicken with Balinese Spices; are suitably complemented by the vast selection of local and international wines. Part of the dishes are prepared to order on an Asian grill including such condiments as spicy chilli sambal, wasabi butter, coriander Bernaise or sweet soy and tomato relish.

LM_0904_events_1.indd 40

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Interier

15.7.2009 19:03:28

From left: Andrew Katz, Building Owner Managing Director, Axios Hospitality, Hilton Prague Old Town, Václav Dvořák, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Gestin Holding and Monika Beverus, Hotel Manager, Hilton Prague Old Town

Mrs. Markéta Šebková, Marketing & PR Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town and Carlo Capalbo, President, Prague International Marathon

Ari Munandar, Executive Chef Hilton Prague Old Town

From left: Roland Leisztner, Ing. Helena Leisztner, Design-Living Art, Ing. Eva Usai Blumental and Giovanni Usai, La Pagina

Executive Chef Ari Munandar, 38, comes from Indonesia and within his professional career has gained accolades and experience in some of the world leading hotels and restaurants, including Hilton hotels, in Indonesia, South Africa, London and most recently in Prague. He is supported by a Thai Sous Chef Chaiyasith Lam Srichom, who has been with the team since the hotel opening in 2007. Zinc restaurant, lounge & bar was officially launched during a cocktail reception on May 26. Over 300 guests attended the event, amongst them there were representatives of Prague authorities, leading entrepreneurs and executives, and a number of Czech 41 celebrities, including Jana Doležalová, Zuzana Bělohorcová, Tereza Brabcová, Zdeněk Podhůrský. Yvetta Hlaváčová as a Hilton supporter wished the Zinc restaurant all the best, draw the lucky winner in the raffle and at the same time celebrated her birthday.

LM_0904_events_1.indd 41

15.7.2009 19:03:55

From left: Ms. Helena Samova, Project Manager, Liberty Incentives & Congresse, Allain Pallas, CTE Group Travel and Ms. Anne-Sophie Peigne, Project Manager, Liberty Incentives & Congresse

Paul Day, Executive Chef, LS Club and Dr. Michaela Jorgensen, Partner, Smed Jorgensen Attorneys of Law Office

From left: Ms. Olga Tóthová and Ms. Věra Vránková, Jack Daniel´s Brand Manager, Brown-Forman

From left: Markus Fritz, Director of Operations, Hilton Prague, JUDr. Nataša Randlová, Partner, Randl & Partners and JUDr. Pavel Randl, Partner, Randl & Partners

From left: Ms. Alena Entová, Nigel Thwaites, Country Head, Syngenta and Philip Himyc

Ms. Karen Feldman, Artel and WeiHai Chu, CEO, Elephant Orchestra and Crazy Tomato

Hilton Prague Old Town... LM_0904_events_1.indd 42

From left: Mrs. Markéta Šebková, Marketing & PR Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town, Monika Beverus, Hotel Manager, Hilton Prague Old Town, Yvetta Hlaváčová, World and Czech Cross the Channel Record Holder and Ari Munandar, Executive Chef Hilton Prague Old Town

15.7.2009 19:04:35

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

crossborder business event

From left: Dr. Christoph Leitl, President of the Austrian Economic Chamber, Dr. Heinz Fischer, President of Austria and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

Czech-Austrian Economic Forum with Dr. Heinz Fischer, President of Austria and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

For this purpose a high-ranking Austrian-Czech business forum took place with 150 participants in the beautiful Palais Liechtenstein in Prague. The forum was solemnly opened by the Czech President Prof. Václav Klaus and Austrian President Dr. Heinz Fischer and directed by the President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Dr. Christoph Leitl and Petr Kužel, President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce.

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

LM_0904_events_1.indd 43

From left 1st row: Dkfm. Dr. Nikolaus Seiwald, Trade Counsellor in the Czech Republic, Mag. Norbert Darbos, Austrian Minister of Defence and Sports, H.E. Dr. Margot Klestil-Löffler, Austrian Ambassador in the Czech Republic and H.E. Dr. rer. nat. Jan Koukal, Czech Ambassador in Austria

15.7.2009 18:46:33

From left: Mgr. Tomáš Kocourek, Ing. René Kocourek, Director of Wolf System spol. s r.o. and Ing. Jiří Millich, Managing Director of Wolf System spol. s r.o.

From left: Ing. Václav Eichinger, Senior Project Manager, Czech Invest and Dr. Vladimír Koller, Chief of Affiliated Branch, Privat Bank AG

From left: Ing. Radan Kukal, Emotion Odbytová s.r.o. and Dr. Karl Strobel, President, Robert Bosch Aktiengesellschaft

From left: Ing. Karel Feix, Managing Director and General Director of Kapsch s.r.o. and Karel Černý, Sales Director, Kapsch s.r.o.

The participants listened to the excellent speeches of Miroslav Singer, Vice Governor Czech National Bank (ČNB) and Erik Geuss, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade with great interest. LM_0904_events_1.indd 44

Mag. Dr. Gabriele Führer, WKO and Dr. Nikolaus Seiwald, Trade Counsellor of the Embassy of Austria

From left: Miroslav Singer, Vicegovernor of ČNB, Erik Geuss, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade and Dr. Walter Koren, Chairman of Foreign Economic Relations

15.7.2009 18:47:04

From left: Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Franz Scheibenecker, Member of the Board of Directors, PORR, Mgr. Bronislava Slámová, Country Manager, Iventa Czech, Dr. Karl Strobel, President, Robert Bosch Aktiengesellschaft

From left: Dr. Gerhard Wildmoser, BFE Studio and Meda Systems GmbH and Dr. Ullrich Granser, Managing Director

From left: Peter Haberl, Special Communications & Information, Frequentis AG and Mag. Rainer Muhm, Key Account Manager, OnTec

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Dr. Heinz Fischer, President of Austria

From left: Ing. Herbert Klement, Dr. Elisabeth Zöckl, Public Relations, Abta, Dipl. Ing. Eva Farkačová, Managing Director of Ecoplus International Czech Republic s.r.o.and Ing. Jozef Kollár, Governmental Counsellor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

LM_0904_events_1.indd 45

Ing. Petr Stibor, Managing Director of Engel

Czech-Austrian Economic Forum

15.7.2009 18:48:03

award ceremony

Specialized Insurer – Category of Cooperation with Insurance Brokers From left: Roger Gascoigne, Partner KPMG, Ing. Zdeněk Voharčík, Chairman, AČPM, JUDr. Vladimír Krajíček, Chairman of the Board, ECP, Jitka Chizzola, Director, D.A.S., Ing. Martin Pišťák, Commercial Director, KÚP EGAP, Ing. Petr Jícha, Commercial Director, ČP Zdraví and Ms. Kateřina Nováková, Deputy Director, Atradius

AČPM INSURERS OF THE YEAR 2008 Best Insurers receive their awards from the Association of Czech Insurance Brokers (AČPM) – More than two hundred VIP guests gathered in the exclusive premises of the Prague InterContinental Hotel to watch the award-giving ceremony that revealed the results of the Insurer of the Year 2008 contest, organized already for the 9th time by the Association of Czech Insurance Brokers (AČPM). The gala evening was preceded by a mini Brokers’ Fair to present partners of the contest and various providers of services to brokers. It was also an occasion to help the needy - in the draw to reward brokers participating in the insurers’ evaluation, pictures painted by handicapped children were bought from the Modry klic school. AČPM celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. It has grown from a modest group of brokers to about 110 members who represent nearly 90% of the market.

Meet the winners: Kooperativa pojišťovna Insurer of the Year 2008 in Non-life Insurance Pojišťovna České spořitelny Insurer of the Year 2008 in Life Insurance Evropská Cestovní Pojišťovna Insurer of the Year 2008 – Specialized Insurer From left: Ing. Stanislav Svoboda, Director of Broker Services Department, Ing. Marek Venuta, Director, Ing. Martina Vršecká, Director of the Department of Industry Insurance and Re-Insurance, Confidential Clerk, Ivo Drápera and Mgr. Ivana Ferová, Deputy Director, Broker Services Department, all from UNIQUA Pojišťovna, a.s.

LM_0904_events_1.indd 46

A supplementary competition The Insurance Product of the Year 2008 was won by Pojišťovna České spořitelny with its FLEXI product. The AČPM presidium also decided to present Mr. Marek VENUTA with the title Personality of the Year on the Insurance Market for his exceptional and extraordinary contribution to the development of insurance in the Czech Republic.

16.7.2009 16:29:42

Roger Gascoigne, Partner, KPMG (General Partner of the Competition)

From left: Ing. Petr Kopecký, General Director, Generali Pojišťovna a.s. and Ing. Miroslav Tacl, Chairman of the Board, Allianz

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Main Category in Life Insurance From left: Ing. Martin Diviš, Chairman of the Board, Kooperativa pojišťovna, Ing. František Mareš (with microphone), Deputy General Manager, Pojišťovna České spořitelny (the Winner), Ing. Jaroslav Besperát, Deputy General Manager, Member of the Board, ČPP, a.s. and Ing. Jiří Tesař, Head Manager, Generali Pojišťovna a.s.

Jitka Chizzola, Director, gladly accepting an award for D.A.S. Pojistovna from Ing. Vladimír Tomšík, Bank Counsel Member, Czech National Bank and Ing. Zdeněk Voharčík, Chairman, AČPM

From left: Ing. Zdeněk Voharčík, Chairman, AČPM with Modrý klíč client’s painting, assisted by Ivan Spirakus, Vice-Chairman

Personality of the Year on the Insurance Market From left: Mgr. Dominik Štros, Deputy Chairman, AČPM, Ing. Vladimír Tomšík, Bank Counsel Member, Czech National Bank and Ing. Marek Venuta, Member of DR Uniqa

From left: Ing. Marek Venuta, Member of DR Uniqa, receiving his award “Personality of the Year “ from Ing. Vladimír Tomšík, Bank Counsel Member, Czech National Bank, and Mgr. Dominik Štros, AČPM Vice Chairman

LM_0904_events_1.indd 47

Monika Valentová and Ing. Zdeněk Voharčík, Chairman, AČPM

The happy hosts of the event from left: Ing. Zdeňka Indruchová, Executive Director, AČPM, Ing. Zdeněk Voharčík, Chairman, AČPM and Ing. Ivan Špirakus, Deputy Chairman, AČPM

15.7.2009 18:55:53

jubilee event

From left: Vladimír Laštůvka, former Member of Parliament of the Czech Republic and Ing. Jan Kopecký

Jan Kopecký, originally a workman at the Léčiva Company, moved to the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in 1965, where he worked as a scientific-technical employee until the year 1989. Since 1990, he was the director of the foreign department of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and in 1994 he became the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Argentina and Paraguay and afterwards, until 2004, to Peru and Bolivia. At present, he is the chairman of the Czech IberoAmerican Society (CIS) and the director of the Foreign Department of the African Diplomatic Academy (ADA) based in Freetown and Dakkar.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

at Hotel President

70 Birthday of Jan Kopecký

From left: Ing. Jan Kopecký and Prof. Pavel Klenner, UK Prague

His Royal Altess Prince Dah Bokpe v. Allada and Dr. Angela Koch, Member of ADA From left: H.E. Alberto Salas, Ambassador of Peru and Ing. Jan Kopecký

LM_0904_events_1.indd 48

From left: H.E. Jan Pastwa, Ambassador of Poland and Ing. Jan Kopecký

From left: Grand Prieur, Comte Karel Paar and Benedikt Mohelník, Provincial OP

15.7.2009 19:01:13

From left: Ing. Jan Kopecký and Pedro Moya Milanés, Director of Institut Cervantes of Prague

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine

From left: Ing. Jan Kopecký and Comte Hans Podstatzky-Lichtenstein

From left: Roberto Kopecký, Director of Avion Area Zličín and Mr. Jiří Tůma, Hotelier

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: H.E. Peter Raeder, Ambassador of Norway and Ing. Jan Kopecký

From left: Ing. Jan Kopecký and Ivan M. Havel, Director of the Center of Artificial Inteligency of the Academy of Sciences

From left: Ing. Jan Kopecký and H.E. Jean Faltz, Ambassador of Luxembourg

...For his activities abroad he has been awarded the Légion d’honneur (Order of the Legion of Honor) and Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Order of Academic Palms) of the Republic of France, and the Grand Cross of The Order of the Liberator General San Martin (Orden del Libertador General San Martín) in Argentina, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun (La Orden El Sol) in Peru and the Commendation Ribbon of Don Falcon Order in Paraguay. In the course of his career he has been appointed university professor of three universities in Argentina and Peru. He is the author of nume-rous publications both scientific and political and he is still active as a lecturer. Jan Kopecký is a member-correspondent of the Argentinean Academy of Ceremonial and he is the laureate of the Aguila Bicephala Award (Double-headed Eagle).

LM_0904_events_1.indd 49

16.7.2009 13:16:14

networking IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Say what you want about Scandinavians, but they sure know how to arrange great parties! Notwithstanding the rain and cold that ruled Prague in late May, the Nordic Chamber of Commerce’s traditional Strawberry Party in Hergetova Cihelna restaurant turned out as one of the season’s hottest parties. Over 130 guests – among them the Ambassadors of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden – were treated with a dashing mixture of delicious food, tasty drinks, entertaining tombola and large doses of nice atmosphere.

Nordic Chamber’s Traditional

From left: H.E. Catherine von Heidenstam, Ambassador of Sweden and Lea Turcarová, Executive Director, Nordic Chamber of Commerce

STRAWBERRY PARTY

The party even included a fashion show by Camilla Solomon, whose models are distinguished by their handmade embroideries and paintworks, often completed with cut stones and gems. The party continued until long after midnight, when the last bottle was emptied. “No matter how bad the weather is and no matter how busy people are at work – our Summer Parties are 50 fully booked, because people come to experience the great atmosalways phere,” Nordic Chamber President Stefan Lager commented.

LM_0904_events__2.indd 50

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Rolf Ericsson, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden, Daniel Boestad, Director, Gripen CZ and Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine

15.7.2009 19:14:11

David Poláček, Sales & KA Manager, SKF with wife

From left: Josef Hlavička, Partner, Havel & Holásek and Jan Koval, Lawyer, Havel & Holásek

From left: Rolf Ericsson, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden and H.E. Ole Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark

From left: Ms. Barbara Landovsky, HR Manager, Deloitte and Ms. Bernice Tahmindjis, Corporate Accounts Manager, Voerman Prague

Ivo Klimeš, Managing Director, Intrum Iustitia

H.E. Hannu Kyröläinen, Ambassador of Finland with wife

From left: Ms. Blanka Javorská and Ms. Lucie Uvoda Kubalová

From left: H.E. Peter Raeder, Ambassador of Norway and Stefan Lager, President, Nordic Chamber of Commerce

Ing. Karel Pacourek, General Manager, Drazice and Mrs. Dita Pacourková

LM_0904_events__2.indd 51

Mrs. Zuzana Olsen and Jens Olsen, Owner & Director of Sales, Adask

51 Families with kids

15.7.2009 19:22:51

networking/charity

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

From left: JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Past President & Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Ing. Jiří Kunert, General Director, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic, a.s.

Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Ing. Jaromír Kaulfus, Businessman, Prof. ThDr. Jiří Huber, Dean of Vyšehrad Canonry, Prof. MUDr. Aleksi Šedo, Vice Dean, I. Medical Faculty UK, Prof. MUDr. Václav Mandys, CSc., Head of the Institute of Pathology and JUDr. Jaroslav Novotný, Advocate, Membership Chairperson LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

LM_0904_events_1.indd 52

From left: Ing. Ladislav Vaško, Commercial Director, Ing. arch. Petr Bílek, Architect, Ateliér Bílek Associates, spol. s r.o. and PhDr. Martin Komárek, Chief Commentator, MF Dnes

From left: JUDr. Jaroslav Novotný, Advocate, Membership Chairperson LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Past President & Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Ing. Josef Čekal, President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: PhDr. Ladislav Říha, Owner of Teavel Agency, CK RI-Tours and Past President LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Aleš Haur, Businessman, Ing. Anton Gerák, CSc., Commercial Director and Ing. Martin Felenda, Auditor and Tax Adviser

16.7.2009 13:57:51

From left: JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, PastPresident & Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Jiří Kunert, General Director, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic, a.s., Ing. Josef Čekal, President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and PhDr. Martin Komárek, Chief Commentator, MF Dnes (in front)

From left: PhDr. Martin Komárek, Chief Commentator, MF Dnes, Ing. arch. Petr Bílek, Architect, Ateliér Bílek Associates, spol. s r.o.

JUDr. Jaroslav Novotný, Advocate, Membership Chairperson LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: PhDr. Ladislav Říha, Owner of Travel Agency, CK RI-Tours and Past President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Mgr. Jaroslav Drápal, Analyst, ČSOB and Ing. Aleš Haur, Businessman

From left: Ing. Jiří Málek, Treasurer, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Petr Laštovka, Businessman

From left: Ing. Jiří Opichal, CEO, Allimex Trading s.r.o., Ing. Anton Gerák, CSc., Commercial Director and Petr Laštovka, Businessman

Guest of Honor: Ing. Jiří Kunert, General Director of UniCredit Bank ČR Theme: „Present Global Financial Crisis“ LM_0904_events_1.indd 53

From left: Ing. Josef Čekal, President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Jiří Kunert, General Director, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic, a.s., Ing. Antonín Novotný, General Director, CSI, a.s., Ing. Ladislav Vaško, Commercial Director and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Past President & Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

15.7.2009 18:57:45

interview Leoš Svárovský Distinguished Conductor and Musical Pedagogue Photo: Vladimír Weiss

Interviews.indd 54

16.7.2009 8:28:46

An interview with Leoš Svárovsský, Distinguished Conductor and Musical Pedaggogue

THE CONDUCTOR HAS TO

RADIATE PERSONALITY MgA. Leoš Svárovský (1961) studied ﬂute at Prague Conservatory of Music. Later on, he continued his studies of this instrument at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU) together with conductinng. After graduation he began as an assistant of the Head of the National Theatre Opera in Prague, Mrr Zdeněk Košler, and at the same time as a conductorr of the Chamber Opeera Prague. Then he worked as a conductor and head conductor of the Brno Philhharmonic Orchestra, head conductor of the Slovak Sinff fonietta Žilina and heead of the Pardubice Philharmonic Orchestra. He is the main guest conductor of the Slovak Philharmonic at present. Leoš Svárovský veery often performs with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra; the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchesstra; the Stuttgarter Philharmoniker; Staatskapelle Drresden; Orchester Beeethovenhalle Bonn and others. He has published several dozens of CDs. Leoš Svvárovský taught conducting at the Janáček Academy off Music and Performinng Arts in Brno (JAMU in Brno); at present, he teaches conducting at the AMU in Praggue. How did you get to music? The choice of my future occupation was basically given. My father is a famous bassoonist; he was engaged in the Nattional Theatre Orchestra. He also won the world competition with James Galway, one of the best flute players in the worldd. My mother is a pianist and my sister a flute player as well. What musical instrument was the first one you played? I started playing the piano when I was five. I did not ennjoy it in the very beginning. Yet I was very successful and mannaged to win twelve first prizes in various competitions. I was taaught by Alena Fišerová, Ivan Moravec and Valentýna Kameníková. They were the most famous piano players with pedaggogic experience. When I was 15 and was about to start studies at the Conservatory, I switched over to flute. This is not very usual. What made you do so? Everyone wondered at it. At that time, one of the mosst significant world flute players, Jean-Pierre Rampal, performed at the Prague Spring Festival. He inspired me. So, I switchedd over to flute and finished my studies at the Conservatory. I beccame the laureate of many Czech flute competitions and my bigg gest success was the second prize at an international compettition in Italy, in Ancona. And when I had to go to the university, I decided to make a change again. I passed the entrance exam for both flute and conducting and because I succeeded in both areas, I decided for conducting. It was upon an inspiration once again? When I was 15, I had a flute professor, Peter Brockk. His father was a significant conductor, the former head conductor of the Smetana Theatre, Robert Brock. He chose me annd recommended to his son to try to work with me. I alwayss had a great opportunity to meet excellent personalities of international importance as were e.g. the conductors Václav Neumann or Zdeněk Košler. What qualities should a conductor possess? Conducting is a very specific activity in general. A connductor obviously needs to have a musical talent, manual skillss and primarily the ability to convey these musical ideas convinccingly to the orchestra. To a certain extent it can be learned and to a certain extent it cannot. However, any conductor needs to radiate personality. It is like the profession of a film or teelevision director. Seriousness and absolute timeliness is related to it. A conductor should be able to stick to his views ass well as each conductor has a completely different view of the practiced or performed composition. Then, the compossition turns into a reflection of the personality of some or other conductor. What do you enjoy more, conducting of an opera or of a concert? I am fascinated by beautiful music. I am not that kind of a musician who enjoys conducting only classical music. I like

and I very ofteen record film music. I made music for the following moviess: Kolya, The Empties, The English Patient, The Garland, Boleroo or for instance Bathory. As a conductor I worked togetheer with many outstanding personalities of pop music in the paast as well. In France with Véronique Sanson. She resembles very much the famous chanson singer Edith Piaf. We did aboout 40 concerts all over Western Europe. We ended with ninee concerts in Paris, in the Théâtre du Châtelet. All of them were absolutely sold out and we gave many encores after concert. Once, when the concert was already over and we were alreadyy sitting in the limousine, there was still a long applause going on in the theatre. Where do you conduct most often? I very often conduct in Japan. I have unforgettable experiences from this country. For instance, the Japanese like their “artist” very mucch. They come after the concert with all records they had acquireed on the internet or in the shop, and get them signed. When I was in Tokyo not a long time ago, one Japanese asked me to siggn the score of Dvořák’s symphony for him. When I opened it, there was not only my signature provided twelve years aggo but at the same time signatures of many conductors whoo are already dead – Václav Neumann, Zdeněk Košler, Rafael Kubelík and others. That was very impressive. Czech classical music has traditionally a great response abroad. Indeed, in Jaapan especially they immensely love Czech classical music.. Apart from the completely sold out concerts, we can hear verr y often “The Moldau” by Bedřich Smetana or Antonín Dvořák’’s Largo from the New World Symphony in department storess. The Japanese are great traditionalists. It is a great contrast to Europe where we can witness e.g. the stage setting that som metimes has an absurd effect in some opera productions. Reecently, I saw a stage setting with the watersprite from Russalka creeping out of a canal surrounded by plastic bottles. T hat would be totally scandalous in Japan. Is the Czech conducting school similarly successful abroad? Czech music performing artists are demanded very much in general. Talkingg about piano players, violinists, cellists and others, they aree invited abroad primarily to perform Czech classical music. Mentality, habits and patriotism of the nation are reflected in its music, and so we obviously are very close to our authors of music. You have worked with many orchestras, which of them do you remember with the nicest memories? I have always been very close to the National Theatre, maybe as it was my firr st engagement. I was offered it by the Head of the Opera at that time, the famous conductor Zdeněk Košler. In the papers, journalists were writing about me as the youngest coonductor of the National Theatre; I conducted

the National Theatre Orchestra for 23 years. At that time it was rather difficult for me because my father sat in thee orchestra and played from beneath me. I do not know who was more nervous at that time, whether me or him. In the course of the years he was saying he played in a trance, he keptt observing me. Moreover, the opera was very difficult; it was Pelleas and Melisande by Claude Debussy. Could you mention the upcoming concerts you are currently preparing? My calendar is full to the year 2011. I intendd to make two big tours in Japan. One with the Brno Phiilharmonic Orchestra – 15 concerts in Japan this autumn, and a big tour with the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra in sprr ing. Could you tell us what repertory do you prepare? It concerns primarily Czech traditional musicc exported by Czech orchestras to Japan. As I already menttioned, the Japanese are simply used to it. I would like too mention one more interesting thing. I conducted a beauttiful opera by Ernest Ullmann – Der Sturz des Antichrist in Junee this year. It is a joint project of the UNESCO and the EU. I conducted Verdi’s Requiem with the North Bohemia Teplice Philharmonic Orchestra last year, with the participation of Otakaar Brousek as the reciter. It is a living memento that has an immensely vital tradition in Theresienstadt. What music do you like most? I am definitely closest to Czech music; I love authors like Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, Bedřich Smetana. However, obviously also Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Luudwig van Beethoven and it is definitely also the music of Gusstav Mahler which I love. One big Italian festival asked me to perform his Symphony No. 5 this year and Symphony No. 8, “The Symphony of Thousands”, next year. It is called “The Thousands” as it sometimes happens that there are up to 1000 people on the stage. There is a huge orchestra involved in thiss composition, together with a huge choir, including the children’s one as well. On the other hand, I am not the type of a musician listening only to classical music. I like modernn and pop music, for example the Bee Gees, Diana Ross, thhe Beatles, the Pink Floyd, the Queen, Madonna or Phil Collins. Do you have time for your hobbies? How do you relax? I really like history, particularly the Second World War period. I have got a collection of about 35 CDs and two full libraries of literature about this period. And my great hobbyy is sport. Thanks to the fact I was born in Gablonz (Jablonec),, I am keen on skiing. In summer, I like water then and thus I swim. I simply do need relaxation in my life. By Pavlína Holancová I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmaagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 55

16.7.2009 15:23:08

An interview with Jurajj Jakubisko, Director, Scrreenwriter, Cameraman and Paiinter

Film Without Audience Is Dead Photo: VladimĂr Weiss

Interviews.indd 56

17.7.2009 9:35:24

Juraj Jakubisko was born in Kojšov, K Slovakia in April 1938. In 1957 he completed his studiess of photography at the Secondary School of Appplied Arts in Bratislava. Betwween the years 1959––1966 he studied directiing at the Film and Television Faculty, Academy of Performing Artts in Prague (FAMU). His first feature film was Cruucial Years (Kristove roky, 1967), followed by The Deeserters and the Nomadds (Zbehovia a pútnici, 1968) and Birds, Orphans and Fools (Vtááčikovia, siroty a blázni, 1969). In the 1970s he was banned from directing feaature films and could work only on documentaaries. Ten years later, the ban was lifted. He achieved great succeess with the TV series A Thousand-Year Old Bee (Tisícročná včera, 1983), fairyttale Perinbaba (19855) and by the film I’m Sittting on a Branch and I’m Fine (Sedím na konári a je mi dobre, 1989). In 1992 he moved to Prague. So far hee has directed over 15 featuree and TV films. He hass devoted himself to thee opera and theatre as well. His last film – historical film Bathoryy – was released in 2008. Juraj Jakubisko is alsoo a member of the European Film Academy. How did it happen that you became a director? When I was studying at the secondary school, my friend and I made a photographic folding picture-book. We tried to repllace film shots by picturees and make stories that were not caartoon, but photographeed. Both of us wanted to be camerramen. I sent all my phottographs to FAMU in Prague. They did not even invite me to do d the entrance exams. They answeered that they did not acccept me, because I did not send pictures of the environm ment where I lived. At that time I was performing compulsory military service at the airport and taking pictures there meant espionage and procurrator. I got angry. I toook my original photographs, addedd my poems and drawinngs and sent everything to the directing department. At tthat time, I took part in bike racingg, so I cycled to Prague for the entrance exams. Of couurse I did not know anythhing about directing. I wrote the naames of Czech and Slovakk directors on my hand. There were about 280 applicants and they accepted only 8 people. I was very lucky because I was not asked any question on dirrecting, but on history oof art – the origin of chair, sculptture, Greek and Roman drama, d and architecture – issues that I knew perfectly w well from my studies at the Seconndary School of Applied Arts. A In the end I was between those 8 enrolled students. How wever, I was very unhappy because I was accepted to thee directing programme aand I did not know anything about directing films. I would train on my bike to chase away the sorrow. Howevver, I had arranged with m my father that I would try directingg and possibly move to tthe camera programme later on. Soo I tried and in three monnths I did not remember that I wanted to be a cameraman. So camera did not attract yyou any more? It attracted me and still doees. At the beginning I studied camerra off campus for two years. There were two of my films by which I also did the camera c – The Deserters and the Noomads, where I tried to do every tale by a different visual style, and A Thousand-YYear Old Bee. Only a few people know that. I put the name oof my assistant as the cameramann to the titles because I could not be paid both for directing and for camera. Cam mera is the dominant feeature in all my films. I even somettimes pay more attentionn to the visual part than the other one. Not to bother, I vary the t style of story telling, dark shots with light ones. I know that if I base the film only on the vissual part, the audience beecomes aware of it in the first 10-200 shots, but then they do not perceive them. They only perceiive the inner motion. The picture you give must not be only aesthetical, but it also hass to have a soul. In one interview you said th that you took yourself rather for foor a painter than a director. I haad several exhibitions. I presented my works in Italy, Paris, Prague, and at the end off the last year I also exhibited in Brattislava. It was mostly graphics. My last exhibition was called Bathory and other horrrors and these horrors were entitleed Kojšov weddings. I ccome from Kojšov, which is a village in the mountains in Slovakia. My magic realism is mosstly formed by the memoories from my childhood – it is a woorld that is half imaginaryy, half real. It is a shame that I havee too little time. I alreaddy look forward to stopping making films when I will devotte myself just to painting. It calms me down. I put on classiical music and paint.

Do you have any idol that inspires you? My big idol was Antonioni. I liked him for his visual art, for colours he used in his films. Whhen I was writing a screenplay for my graduate’s film called Ruunway, nobody understood it, because I did not use almost any dialogues but I focused on picture. The script editor told me at the time that even he did not know what it was about. So I started to explain every shot to him. I was talking about how I was inspired by reality. In the end he told me that I should forget Runway and make a new film. So the Crucial Years cam me into being. I wrote a new screenplay. After making the fillm I found out that my way of story-telling is wholly baroque,, miles away from Antonioni. That is why everybody started too call me Fellini of the East. My baroque style was visible also in the fact that the main character was played by two characc ters in the film, each of them was me. One is the pilot who flies and the other one is a comedian. When I was young, I wanted to be an aircraft designer. In the military service I flew as an air gunner. And then I became comedian. In my next film I’m Sitting on a Branch and I’m Fine there are also two inseparable friends. One is a peasant and the other one a buffoon. Again it was me. Fatefully, I should have stayed in Kojšov and plouggh and sow, instead I became a comedian. I again confronted two lives when the one represents the past and the other thee future. Fellini? When the film The Deserteers and the Nomads was released, a review appeared in the West stating that everybody should see this film which was the biggest greeting from Eastern Europe. Fredericoo read it, went to see the film and he liked it. He invited me too a party. Thus we met for the first time. There were rumourss during that time that Fellini had a magic briefcase. I askeed him if it was true and he laughed and said that it wass not. He invited me to the Cinecittà studios, that is wheree he directed all his films and made all the miracles. He produced sea, snow, rain, streets with cars, etc. there. I understtood he got it. These studios were his magic briefcase. Afterwards, I met him severral more times and we would also phone each other. He toldd me about everything – what to do when I became famous, how to look while being in public, etc. Fellini was very mucch like my father. He also had the same gestures and same kind of humour as my real father. It was very odd. I am very glad I met him. He was a very modest person. He was alwaays showing off, but he was modest at the same time. He wrote only on an old typing machine, had two Oscars on an old cabinet and hated TV. His wife acted in my fairytale Perinbaba. Did you think about leaving Czechoslovakia when you were forbidden to direct feature films? At the end of 1960s I worked on the film See You in Hell, Friends (Do videnia v pekle, pratelia). Its producer was Morris Ergass from Italy. The ban on directing feature films came during the works on thhis film. And this producer wanted to get me out of Czechhoslovakia to be able to edit the film and finish it. I was even sending him cannonballs containing pieces of films and he tried to edit it in Italy. He even made a counterfeit passsport with the name Tortora. I was afraid of crossing the bordder with this passport, but he had a plan. I would fly to Budapest where I would exchange the plane ticket with one of his friends in the airport restrooms. The advantage was that there were no names on the tickets at that time. Then I would go on to Italy. So we

started to plan the journey. I was not very pleased to do that. I did it ratther only out of courtesy. I told myself that he put a lot of efffort and money into it and it would not have been appropriate for me to refuse. A week before the journey the flight was cancelled. I told myself that it was the sign of God. Soo I did not leave Czechoslovakia. Do you regret it? I am glad that I did not leave because at the end all people who left come back and those big reesolutions that they would make a great film abroad never caame true (apart from Miloš Forrman). They were foreigners thhere. When you make a film, yoou put your way of thinking intto it. This is not easy for peoplee from abroad to understand and they do not identify with it. It is not only a matter of language but also of aesthetics. Onn the other hand, I have to conffess that nothing will compeensate those 10 years of gap, when I was on the crest of creeative wave and physical poweers. What does film mean for you? You know, thhere is one peculiar thing abouut film. You can never repeat it. It is like water in the river into which you never get twicce. If I wanted to make my firr st films at the same place onnce again, the result would bee different. The environment, people and even I have chaanged. The old films might bee better made with the use of new technologies, they might be more perfect, but that iss all. When the director is makking the film, he always thinks that he is working on his bestt film, even if it is not true. How wever, he does not know until he shows it. I belong to thosee directors who think they havee not made their best film yet. I have always followed two credos duringg making films. The first one iss that I always try to make film ms for the audience. A film without audience is dead. When people like something, criitics start to doubt about the artistic quality of the film. I think that is why they could not accept my Bathory film that 1,5 million of people saw w in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. My other crredo is that the sense of each art and film in particular, hass the ability to amaze its audience. Film does not determinee what to do, but it shows your artistic and generation disspositions. It means that it is harder and harder. When I was young, it seemed that film is an experiment that doess not have a ceiling, that it is endless. Then it turned out thaat it had its limits that the inff inite gold vein disappeared and that it was necessary to seek new ways, new gold veinss of film peculiarity wholly differrent from theatre and television, because otherwise film woould perish. You are working on your new film. What is it about? Initially, thee film was to be called One Thhousand Years of Solitude acccording to One Hundred Yeaars of Solitude by Marquez because it would be a maggic film about Christianity, paganism and miracles peoplee believed they had experiencced. But I decided to name it Slav Epopee. It will be an epicc poem about Slavs and their famous history in times, when they were together and thee territory they lived in the occupied one third of Europee. It should be a story about our ancient ancestors, why theyy had to choose Christianity annd surrender their pagan godss; to exchange freedom for onne god that forbade their originnal joie de vivre by strict commandments. By Zuzanna Kasáková I českouu verzi naleznete na www.leadeersmagazine.cz

Leadeers Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 57

16.7.2009 8:29:52

Zdeněk Bakala Tasted Victory and a Record Drop

Photo: Zuzana Šmajlerová, HN

Interviews.indd 58

Zdeněk Bakala made the transaction of his life in May 2008, when he offered one-thirdd of the NWR mining company on thhe stock exchanges in Prague, Londdon and Warsaw. He managed to iddentify the moment when the boursees relaxed. Investors believed that thhe crisis was ending and were also hungry after months of drops. They jumped at the NWR shares and paaid more than CZK 35 billion for thhem in a few days. The strongest NWR owners, led by Bakala and longg-term partner Peter Kadas, pocketedd almost CZK 30 billion. None otheer Czech businessman has manaaged to earn such a sum in a singlle transaction in the middle of the crrisis. Even the prestigious British magazine The Banker appreciated thee success of the issuing when it puublished the results of its annual Deeals of the Year poll for 2009, listingg the public offering of the NWR sharres as the European winner in the Eqquity category: “The ﬂotation of the Czech-headquartered mining company New World Resources (NWR R) for USD 5.5bn in May 2008 was not only the largest initial public offering (IPO) ever completed in central Europe and the largest Europpean ﬂoat for 2008. It also allowedd existing shareholders to monetisse their investment at the absolutee peak of the commodities boom.””

Leaders Magazine IV/2009

16.7.2009 8:32:21

TRANSACTION AND D COLLAPSE OF THE YEAR Entering the bourse brrought Bakala success. On the other hand, few invvestors ever cursed theirr transactions like those who bought the NWR shares as a long-term innveestment and were willingg to pay CZK 630 per share last spring. The rate collapsed in autumn, and the NWR shares were sold in Marrchh 2009 for less than one tenth of their June 20 008 8 value and today are available for less than CZKK 100. The crisis knocked the whole financial markeet down and decreased the value of all sharess. But few titles recorded a drop similar to that of NW WR. Until recently, the NW WR shareholders could comfort themselves byy oowning one of the mostt profitable Czech comppanies. The bourse newcomer managed to net almost CZK 10 billion lastt year. Today, however, thhe Ostrava-Karviná mines and coke plants are expperiencing their worst times since the privatisation in tthe middle of the 1990s. The turn in the compaany’s finances is all the worse for being so sudddenn. At the beginning of the year, the analysts were sayying that the crisis would only slightly decrease thee profit. The shock came when NWR published the quarterly results in the middle of May. Insteadd oof an expected profit off EUR 10 million, NWR published a loss of more than EUR 2 million (some CZZK 58 million). Further bad news is coming. NWR wiill lay off almost 3,000 people this year. The comppany is closing down the coke plant, and plans too cut this year’s investments by 20% and loweer pproduction. Moreover, investors who lent the company credibility are leaving it. Thhe US funds First Reserve and American Metals aand Coal International, which owned about a fiffth of the shares since 2005, will withdraw frrom m the mother companyy RPG Industries by Septeember. m What is happening to Baakala’s flagship? The explanation is simple. Thee pprosperity of the Ostrava mines rises and falls withh the prosperity of local steelworks. And the steeelw works have been broughtt to their knees by the crissis. Their production has decreased to one-third or a maximum of one-half off capacity. If they need cokke at all they produce itt themselves, and their coonsumption of coal is marginal compared to last yeear. The coal is therefore accumulating in NWR storrage, and reserves have more than doubled sincce last year. The prices are plummeting: coking coaal fell by almost 20% and coke by more than 30% % since last year. And it will get worse: “Especially thhe coke prices will certainly fall more,” Atlantikk annalyst Petr Novák said. Nobody knows in whaat w way the situation will reflect on this year’s resultss. “We are unable to predict the whole year’s devvelopments,” NWR CFO Marek Jelínek said. Even though the maarkeet value of NWR fell to one-seventh of its originnall value, it does not mean that the crisis is destrooyinng Bakala. It is not onlyy that the purchase of mines for which he and his partners allegedly paidd ssome CZK 10 billion in

2004 paid off. Whatt is important is that the moneey earned by the miness enables them to multiply and evaluate the assets in other fields.

PUT MONEY ON TRANSPORT SERVICES In 2004, along wiith the Ostrava-Karviná miness, Bakala also acquireed dozens of nonmining com mpanies as part of thee OKD holding. Before enterinng the bourse, he sold some of them while he included others in independdent groups. Thus he formed the basis for other two holdings under his RPG G: a transport group as part of the NWR Transportation company andd RPG Real Estates. The latteer holds 45,000 flats, hotels, lots and administrativve buildings. Bakala focuses on systematically strengthenning NWR Transportation. He gradually boughht Viamont Cargo (a division of the constructioon group Viamont); thhe Belarussian company Belterminal, which operates a rail shipping centrre in Brest; and Čechoofracht, the largest provider of logistic services in his OKD Doprava empire, whicch on its own is the seccond largest player in the fieldd. If the anti-monoppoly office allows for the fusioon with Čechofracht, Bakala will control a transport group with an annuual turnover of more than CZZK 9 billion. He would than become a strong playeer in train, road and marine transport in Europe. Acquisitions in the transport sector are not oveer yet. “We are workingg on new acquisition projectss. This time outside thhe Czech Republic. We are innterested in two to three more companies,” sayys Attila Boros, membber of the NWR Transportatioon board. He adds thatt there will probably not be anny more acquisitions before the end of the year. Thhe management will noow be busy with integrating thhe acquired firms (the holding will now also includde OKD Rekultivace). Another reason is that Bakala’’s transport kingdom is also feeling the impacc t of the crisis. “The decline in raail transport in Europe is estimated at 25%. Durinng past recessions, the declinne was less than 10%. So the developments this yeaar are very dramatic,” says Boros. He adds that thhe demand for road traansport is also declining. But the effect of the crisis on NWR Transportaation is still not as great as it is for the company’’s mining sector. “Our revenues and operational proofits from the beginning of the year until April are in adherence to our plaan for 2009,” says Boros. Lasst year’s operational profit for OKD Doprava and foor Čechofracht was cloose to half a billion crowns. As recently as Juune 2008, Bakala planned to put the company NW WR Transpiration on the stocck market, as he had done with the mining companny in the group. The quuestion is whether he will makke that move now: “Entering the stock market is stiill an appealing goal foor the future. But talking abouut specific conditions and terms during there uncertain times would be premature,” says Boros. Thanks to the capital backing the companyy, NWR Transportationn owners need not rush witth entering the stock market. They are not undeer pressure to acquire more capital.

The crisis has forced Bakala to change his real estate plans, however. Last year the directors of RPG Real Estates expected to make big investments in residential housing and to launch several development projects, including the construction of the biggest Czech skyscraper in downtown Ostrava. “We are not giving up these plans, but somethings will be delayed or will progress more slowly,” says Tony Aksich, head of the real estate group RPG. But the directors of the real estate group have more than just the crisis to worry about. Regulated rent does not cover the maintenance costs of flats in buildings that have been neglected for many years, and Bakala’s tenants are losing their patience. As of last year, their complaints are becoming louder, and they are organising demonstrations and writing petitions. And they are asking RPG to cheaply sell them the flats, as some municipalities have done with their tenants. A number of politicians are backing their efforts, using the issue in the campaigns for the upcoming general election. Jana Bobošíková, for instance, recently turned to the Polish members of the European Parliament with a letter warning the Poles “against the practices of NWR, a company that is planning expansion in Poland”. Bobošíková claims that tens of thousands of Bakala’s tenants are living in fear for the roof over their heads, in horrible conditions in decrepit houses and that the Finance Ministry is preparing to investigate the company’s finances. The ministry really is preparing an audit to check whether Bakala’s RPG is meeting its responsibilities to its tenants. “They won’t uncover anything suspicious. We don’t have a problem with it,” says Aksich.

A NOSE FOR STOCKS Even despite the problems caused by the crisis and by politicians, Bakala and Kadas are planning further expansion.Their managers say that the most lucrative deals could be in central and eastern Europe, especially Poland, Hungary and Ukraine. RPG Industries bought a 25% share in the Ukrainian iron ore consortium Ferrexpo at the end of last year. It bought the shares with the intent to sell them at the same price to its subsidiary NWR. But the minority shareholders of NWR panicked at the thought of investing in a country that was in the midst of a crisis and political turmoil and refused to buy the Ferrexpo shares. The NWR shareholders must regret that choice now; the value of Ferrexpo has nearly doubled in the last six months. It looks like Bakala simply has a nose for good deals. One can expect that he is planning to reshuffle the cards on the stock market in the near future. By Zuzana Kubátová ■ Hospodářské noviny, Translated with permission by the Prague Monitor českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 59

17.7.2009 9:55:42

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

The Energy-Climate Crisis is Your Business Part IX: Don’t Be Fooled By Low Oil Prices 1

James A. Cusumano, PhD

“It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.” Alan Cohen: “Chicken Soup for the Soul”

(10)

Assuming we do not enter a total global economic collapse – which is unlikely – the dramatic fall in the price of oil between July and December 2008 from $147 to $33 per barrel is the last time you will see such a precipitous decline in the price of this commodity. In fact, most economic indicators point to a price of at least $75 per barrel by the end of 2009, and more than $100 in 2010. The price will then likely continue to climb beyond $100 thereafter until alternative non-fossil energy sources seriously diminish the world’s dependence on oil. Note to the reader: As I write this article, the global oil price is $45 per barrel. With the projected economic and commercial forces that I envision, I would not be surprised if the price is above $70 by the time this article appears in print.

rate systems by Western and Asian economies. Let’s take a look at some of the indicators leading us in this direction.

TELLTALE SIGNS

THE FACTS

The current unrealistically low price of oil has been caused by the impact of the subprime mortgage fiasco and global unfolding of associated so-called “toxic” assets. The U.S. has injected three trillions dollars into the financial system to stabilize Wall Street and the American financial system, and this has led to an increase in the value of the dollar. Since oil is traded primarily in dollars, a major contributor to depressing oil prices has been the rise in the value of the dollar since last July.

Low oil prices are forcing companies and governments to abandon numerous oil wells and projects that were directed at increasing oil production. Nine of the largest integrated oil companies have cut a total of $36 billion of planned capital expenditures over the last 6 months 2. For example, Shell, Petro-Canada and Statoil each have cancelled major projects in Alberta’s oil sands, diminishing the potential for at least 500,000 barrels per day of oil. Saudi Arabia cancelled the development of a large new oil field

JIM.indd 60

There is also a significant negative psychological factor as both private and commercial investors lost confidence in normal market forces as many were forced to liquidate assets at lower than what they would deem as fair value. All this is likely to turn around, however not without further financial pain. Beyond the obvious, the current state of affairs is unfortunate for two primary reasons. First, low oil prices have diminished the interest and financial commitment of governments and many corporations to develop and commercialize alternate non-fossilfuel energy technologies. This could have a dramatic negative impact on global energy security and efforts to diminish the effects of climate change. Second, when oil prices begin to rise again – which I believe will occur this year – it will catch investors, governments and corporations by surprise, as it will happen quickly and the economic consequences could eventually be severe (see Figure 1). Rising oil prices could easily reverse any economic recovery accrued by the infusion of trillions of dollars into the banking and corpo-

because as one Saudi spokesman pointed out “Prior plans made in an $80–$100 per barrel environment don’t work at all in a $45 per barrel world.” He warned of a “potentially catastrophic supply crunch3.” We also know that Iran, the fourth largest producer in the world, is in trouble. Oil production in that country has fallen over the last 18 months from 6.1 million barrels per day (MBD) to 4.4 MBD. Elsewhere in the Middle East, OPEC, which controls 40 % of the world’s oil output, has cancelled 35 new production projects and continuously warns that much higher oil prices are needed to stop the collapse in oil production. A little-know fact is that in some countries, including the U.S., as much as 20 % of their oil comes from thousands of small wells pumping as little as several barrels per day of oil. These wells are not cost-effective at $40 oil and are currently being shut down and abandoned by the hundreds. In North America alone, the number of operating oil wells has decreased over the last year by 40%. In Mexico, depletion of their giant Cantrell oil field has essentially collapsed oil production in that country, the 6th largest oil producer in the world. This decline was apparently the steepest in 50 years4. Elsewhere in Latin America, president Chavez of Venezuela, who last year asked foreign producers to leave the country, and who confiscated their oil properties, is now inviting them back because oil production is falling sharply in Venezuela, the 8th largest producer in the world5. In Russia, the world’s largest oil producer, a senior oil executive has warned that production in that country will shrink this year and that this combined with other decreases around the world will lead to an increase of 50–100 % in oil price6. The U.S. Energy Information Agency recently studied decreased production in some 800 oil fields around the world, and concluded that due to natural geological effects, oil fields produce 9% less oil each year. This implies that oil production is decreasing each year by about 7.6 million barrels per day. This is supported by the table shown in Figure 2, which shows that in the decade from 1981 to 1991, global oil reserves increased by 43%, but in the subsequent decade, the figure is only 3%7. The essence of the global problem can also be seen

Leaders Magazine IV/2009

16.7.2009 12:58:43

TO BE CONTINUED... from a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA). This study concludes that global oil consumption which was at 85 MBD in 2008 will shrink by about 1 MBD in 2009. However, as shown above, production is falling more than 7 times faster than that, so unless we do something immediately, the world is headed for a significant shortfall in oil availability within the next 12–18 months, even though we are in a serious recessionary period.

THE CHINDIA CHALLENGE There is another complicating factor brewing in Asia, which will escalate over the next 5 years. Oil consumption in that sector is growing rapidly, especially in China and India, even though their economies have slowed to some degree during the current recession. In January of this year, China surpassed the U.S. as the largest buyer of automobiles, despite the fact that only 1 in 20 people in China own a car. In India it’s 1 in 100 people, and in the U.S. 3 out of 4 people own a car. However, this is about to change as Tata introduces their new NANO car, which will sell for $2,000 (see Figure 3). This will likely do for Asia what Henry Ford did in the U.S. when he introduced his mass-produced Model-T Ford. His inexpensive mass manufacturing methods made automobiles cheap enough for ordinary people to afford them. This will significantly increase oil consumption in Asia, in particular in China and in India. For example, in Taiwan the average person consumes about 17 barrels of oil per year, whereas in China and India individual oil consumption is approximately 1.6 barrels per year. The $2,000 NANO car will push the latter number much closer to the consumption rate in Taiwan. Even at 25% of this number, the world would require at least two more “Saudi Arabias” to meet this demand. This just can not happen. In summary, there is a low-cost automobile about to unleash a major increase in oil demand while oil production is falling 7 times faster than oil demand. In the short term, this should drive the price of oil to at least $75 per barrel by year end and to at least $100 per barrel within 18 months. Thereafter, oil prices will continue to rise in triple-digits until alternative nonfossil fuels displace them at a significant level.

THE SAUDI INFLUENCE These prices are literally a certainty when one considers two key global supply and demand factors. On the supply side, there exists uncertainty in Saudi Arabia’s published oil reserves. The last time Saudi Figure 3: Tata’s New NANO Car Sells for $2,000(11)

reserves were subjected to an independent audit was in 1978, the year before they took complete control of production from their western partners. At the time, their known reserves were 110 billion barrels. The very next year their stated reserves increased to 160 billion barrels and stayed flat for nine years. In 1988, they abruptly increased their reported reserves again, this time by over 100 billion to 263 billion barrels, the number they report today. It is peculiar that Saudi reserves have remained flat for the last 20 years, yet during this period, they have supplied the world with more than 50 billion barrels of oil. How can their reserve base have remained unchanged? Where did these 50 billion barrels come from? It is further disconcerting that in 1979, Oil Minister, Sheik Yamani apparently concerned that the west would have a clear picture of the declining condition and pumping rates of the Saudi fields, slammed the door shut on all further releases of oilfield data and any independent audits. It is no wonder that western oil analysts are nervous as to what the actual oil reserves are for Saudi Arabia and for each of the other OPEC countries. This issue is particularly critical today when production and demand have cast the world into a shadow of uncertainty with respect to its future energy supply 8 . On the demand side, The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has projected that even with the current recessionary period, the demand for global oil will climb from last year’s 85 MBD to 115 MBD by 2030. How is this possible, when most analysts are beginning to recognize that oil production may finally have reached its peak production? The fact is that this can not happen, and unless we implement a global strategy to conserve significant levels of oil and rapidly replace it with non-fossil alternatives, there will be a substantial increase in the price of oil, and much greater recessionary and inflationary pressure than we are currently experiencing. What can we do to minimize the consequences of this scenario? There are a few things that can be done immediately: 1. Governments and industry leaders can educate the public as to the severity of the issues at hand and provide short and long-term plans that address the issues without disengaging from addressing the current global financial challenge. Properly done, these issues can be addressed in parallel. 2. Any energy efficiency strategy must encompass a cost on carbon. Although carbon-trading is favored by corporations and government officials,

(7)

Year

Global Oil Reserves (Billions of Barrels)

Percent Increase

1981

700

–

1991

1000

2001

1030

2011

a carbon tax, though a political challenge would be much more effective and easier to manage. 3. Governments must not be short-sighted during this recessionary period and turn their backs on alternate energy projects, especially those which could have an impact within 2–3 years. This includes tax advantages and initial subsidies for fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrids, wind and solar energy systems, and commercial use of cellulosic bio-fuels. 4. The case for climate change continues to mount and therefore, any strategy for energy security must take this into account. One approach has been outlined in a prior issue in this series9. A few courageous political and corporate leaders are all it will take. 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; Part VII details the potential of wind power, And Part VIII treats the potential impact of solar energy. See www.LeadersMagazine.Cz, volumes 2, 3, 4, 5, 2008 and 1, 2, and 3, 2009. 2 Mina Kimes, “Time to Bet on Oil Again,” Fortun, April 27, 2009, pp. 23–25. 3 Robert Czeschin, Oil & Energy Investment Report – Newsletter, March 30, 2009. 4 Ibid 5 Joe Wiesenthal, “Chavez Begs Western Oil Companies to Come Back” Business Insider, January 15, 2009, http://www.businessinsider.com/2009/1/hugo-chavez-begs-western-oil-companies-to-come-back. 6 Robert Czeschin, Op. cit. 7 Jerry Brown, Rinaldo Brutoco and James A. Cusumano, “Freedom From Mid-East Oil,” World Business Press, 2007. 8 James A. Cusumano, “A Workable Solution,” Prague Leaders Magazine, volume IV, 2008. 9 Ibid 10 http://paul.kedrosky.com/WindowsLiveWriter/NewOil-Shockis Inevitable_E639/oil-shocks_2.png. 11 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Tata ta_Nano.jpg.

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.

českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

JIM.indd 61

15.7.2009 19:39:00

czech radio event

PhDr. Josef Havel, Director of ČRo Regina

Rendezvous of sponsors, business partners and friends of ČRo Regina Praha, held on Thursday 25th of June, opened the 7th Annual Festival of Karlin Film Summer 2009. The director of ČRo Regina Dr. Josef Havel personally welcomed the guests. Those, who have surmounted the concern of a terribly looking weather could taste delicatessens of restaurant Kolkovna and see a film of one of the partners – distributing company Bontonfilm – Boat that rocked... Karlin summer film festival, traditionally organized by ČRo Regina in cooperation with City District of Prague 8, will show 60 films this year. 7 of them are pre-view and also small spectators will be pleased to see for example last episodes of the Ice Age or Harry Potter. The performances will be held in a very pleasant garden of this radio station premises. The entrance fee of 25,– Kč is only symbolic. The interest of public is extensive so the capacity of 500 seats is often filled up.

Radio Regina Garden Party

LM_0904_events___3.indd 62

Chefs from Kolkovna (one of the sponsors)

15.7.2009 20:08:15

From left: Ivo Steiner, Marketing Manager, Garmin with his wife and Mgr. Pavel Brabec, President, Association of Czech Advertising Agencies and Marketing

Mrs. Ivana Nedvědová, Studio Fontana with her husband Zdeněk Nedvěd, Studio Fontana

From left: Mrs. Marta Gellová, Chairperson of Supervisory Board, Czech Radio and Secretary General of Afiz, Roman Tomeš, Singer and Ms. Petra Sixtová

From left: Ms. Lucie Srpová, Advertising Market Research & Promotion Manager, Reader’s Digest CR, René Zavoral, Marketing & PR Department Director, Czech Radio and Marie Kačerovská, Business Director, Reader’s Digest CR

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

LM_0904_events___3.indd 63

Ms. Renata Šedivá and Ruzbeh Oweyssi, Intendant of regional broadcasting, Czech Radio

From left: Mrs. Marta Gellová, Chairperson of Supervisory Board, Czech Radio and Secretary General of Afiz, Jan Kudela, Director, Festival European Film Smiles, Golem Film, PhDr. Josef Havel, Director of ČRo Regina and Ms. Katarina Holla, Costume Designer

15.7.2009 20:08:44

sport event

From Left: Ing. Jaroslav Vacek, 3rd Vicechairman, ČMFS, Jan Kovář, National Sponsorship Manager Marketing, Plzeňský Prazdroj and Karel Jarolím, Head Coach, SK Slavia Praha

SLAVIA DEFENDED THE CZECH TITLE

SYNOT TIP ARENA/EDEN – The match of round 30 between Slavia and Liberec finished in a 2 : 2 draw and Slavia could start celebrating the seventeenth title. The red-whites defended the title for the first time after 66 years. Synot Tip Arena in Eden remained in the league season 2007/2008 unbeatable fortress, because Slavia at home did not lose a single league match. “It is wondreful. Slavia managed this after 66 years, we are really happy because in the spring season we had uncertain performances like last year. On the other hand we won the champions title two rounds before the end of competition, which confirms that there is both in team and in club a big power. I would be very happy if it went on this way...,” said General Manager of SK Slavia Praha Petr Doležal during the celebrations.

The captain Erich Brabec lifted the Cup for the Gambrinus League Champion above his head. “The power of Slavia lies in the whole team and in positive atmosphere in the dressing room. The management, coaches and mainly players work hard together and that is in my opinion the most 64 64 important thing in football,“ Slavia’s captain said.

LM_0904_events__2.indd 64

1st team squad – SK Slavia Praha

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

16.7.2009 13:45:15

The coach Karel Jarolím revealed targets for the next season: “Now we are going to enjoy this year’s success for a while, but I am already in the next season in my thoughts. We have to compose such a team that would be able to get through into the group stage of UEFA Champions League and to defend the title. Next season success will depend mainly on team quality and power.“

Michal Suchánek and Richard Genzer, Moderators

Photos: Martin Malý

Osmany Laffita, Fashion Designer and Mrs. Lenka Viková, General Director, Canaria Travel

Ing. Tomáš Rosen, Chairman of the Board, SK Slavia Praha

Karel Jarolím, Head Coach, SK Slavia Praha

65 Fans of Slavia

LM_0904_events__2.indd 65

15.7.2009 19:33:59

business event

Mrs. Nadia Mrňousová, General Manager, Ingenico CZ and Pierre Girardon, EVP Global Sales & Distributors Strategy, Managing Director EEMEAA Region are welcoming guests

In April 2009, Ingenico, the world’s leading provider for payment solutions, established its branch in the Czech Republic. The opening gala dinner took place on May 28 on the premises of Břevnov Monastery in Prague. The back-ground theme of the evening, the court of Louis XIV, brought to the evening not only the connection with France, its history, culture and delicious cuisine, but also its heritage to modern ages – to be on the edge, to give directions, to shape the future – this is what Ingenico consistently applies for the payment market.

INGENICO IS SHAPING the Challenging World of Payment also in the Czech Republic

Mrs. Nadia Mrňousová, General Manager, Ingenico CZ welcoming Miloslav Křečan, Head of Card Operations, ČSAS

From left: Sirus Zafar, Head of Card Operations, Komerční banka, Miloslav Kozler, Area Manager Czech and Slovak Republics Visa Europe and Stanislav Coufal, International Business Director, Global Payments Europe

LM_0904_events_1.indd 66

James Hicks, President Global Payments Europe and Master of Ceremonies

Mrs. Nadia Mrňousová, General Manager, Ingenico CZ and Patrice Taillandier-Thomas, Senior Executive Director, Chief Administrative Officer and Chairman of the Board, Komerční banka

15.7.2009 19:02:03

From left: Jérome Couasnon, Operations&Finance Manager, Ingenico EEMEA, Miloslav Křečan, Head of Card Operations,ČSAS, Mrs. Virginie Girard, Sales Administration and Logistics, EEMEA Ingenico, Ján Čarný, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, DIRECT Pojišťovna and Mirko Lachman, Senior Adviser, Leaders Magazine

From left: Mrs. Marta Nováková, General Manager U&SLUNO, Mrs. Nadia Mrňousová, General Manager, Ingenico CZ and Mrs. Milena Kadlecová, Head of the Board, Jednota Hodonín

Mrs. Nadia Mrňousová, General Manager, Ingenico CZ welcoming Zdeněk Janda, Director of Services and Logistics, Asseco

Mrs. Nadia Mrňousová, General Manager, Ingenico CZ welcoming Rudolf Rabiňák, Executive Director and Member of the Board, Raiffeisenbank with his wife

Miloslav Kozler, Area Manager Czech and Slovak Republics Visa Europe and Petr Merka, Senior Consultant Payment Solutions Ingenico CZ

From left: Miloslav Křečan, Head of Card Operations,ČSAS, Mrs. Nadia Mrňousová, General Manager, Ingenico CZ and Sirus Zafar, Head of Card Operations, Komerční banka Mrs. Jeanne B. Kašpaříková, Strategy, Marketing & Communication Consultant and Zdeněk Novák, Managing Partner Project &Engineering

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

LM_0904_events_1.indd 67

Petr Kneř, Business Development and Support Manager, Ingenico CZ and Mrs. Veronika Uhlířová, Lawyer

Delivering the very latest secure electronic payment technologies, transaction management and the widest range of value added services, Ingenico is shaping the future direction of the payment solutions market.

15.7.2009 19:02:32

event will take lyes d’Exception al R tic en th Au e 2009 Dolomites, The Prague-Venic stria and Italy’s Au , lic ub ep R ch ze you across the C . ce ni ending in Ve

Ms. Veronika Chotěborská, General Manager, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa, welcoming the guests

L´Authentic Historical Car Rally PRAGUE – VENICE

LM_0904_events___3.indd 68

From left: Mrs. Laureys and Lucas Laureys, taking part in the Rally with their classical Ferrari

15.7.2009 20:06:23

From left: Sergio Rosegotti, General Director, Banco Populare, ČR and Flavio Serughetti, Masterconsult

Cyril Codron, L´Imperial Rallyes D´Exception

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

LM_0904_events___3.indd 69

All together in front of the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa

From left: Monika Burian, Director, Galerie Vernon, Falvio Sarughetti, Masterconsult, Giuliano Argenteri and Giorgio Bonelli, Owner, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa

15.7.2009 20:06:49

From left: Ms. Lucie Chybová, Ms. Kateřina Součková and Ms. Veronika Chotěborská, General Manager, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa

From left: Luboš Zeman and Ing. Jakub Horáček, CEO, ReMax Action Plus

Marc Wint, Embassy of USA

In the front from left: H.E. Fabio Pigliapoco, Ambassador of Italy and Roberto Massa, Head of Corporate Division, Banco Populare, ČR

From left: Mr. Philippe Claude and Mr. Patrick Staar

From left: Mr. Pierre Gazay and Mr. Robert Charrier

As in our previous rallies, the ambiance will be one of fivestar luxury and comfort, with emblematic accommodations worthy of great tourist events: the Hotel Sacher in Salzburg, the ex-ceptional “ Alchymist” in Prague and the highly sought-after Hotel Bauer “Il Palazzo” Venice. 70

Historical Car Rally... LM_0904_events___3.indd 70

From left: Luca Savino, Dottore Commercialista, Savino & Partners, Roberto Massa, Head of Corporate Division, Banco Populare, ČR, Gianfranco Pincirolli, Factory Manager, Trafil Czech and H.E. Fabio Pigliapoco, Ambassador of Italy

17.7.2009 10:16:10

From left: Martin Šefraný, Comliance Officer, Josef Skalický, Senior Manager, Mrs. Jana Levová, Executive Director, Michal Chrvala, Head of Trade and Karel Bujko, Business Development Director (everybody Profit Investment v.o.s.)

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE AND AFIZ – ASSOCIATION OF FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES AND FINANCIAL ADVISERS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

social event

On the 24th of June, one of the Czech leading broker and investment consulting companies, Profit Investment, organized a social event where the company introduced their new marketing strategy to major partners and co-operatives from the financial sector. Profit Investment is one of the few companies in this business branch that, in cooperation with AFIZ, accepted high standards of MiFID regulation. Profit Investment offers investment consulting and intermediary service for stock market trading. The company´s key philosophy is to provide highly standardized service focused mainly on client relationships. Profit Investment also contributes to cultivation of this sectorthrough collaboration with particular corporations in the Czech Republic and the EU.

Profit Investment New Vision

IN STOCKMARKET CONSULTANT BUSINESS more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From Left: Tomáš Matuška and Martin Vazač, Brokers of BH Securities a.s.

From Left: Martin Šefraný, Comliance Officer, Profit Investment v.o.s., Michal Roubíček, Lawyer, JUDr. Jan Rath Legal Office, Mrs. Petra Červinková, Leader of Juridical Section, AFIZ, o.s. and Martin Moskal, Lawyer, JUDr. Jan Rath Legal Office

From Left: Vít Bozděch, Private Banker, Volksbank CZ, a.s. and Josef Skalický, Senior Manager, Profit Investment v.o.s.

From Left: Mrs. Jana Levová, Executive Director, Profit Investment v.o.s., Mrs. Jana Coufalová, Area Manager, Civic Democratic Party (ODS), Petr Svoboda, Head of the Product Marketing Department, Kooperativa pojišťovna, a.s. and Richard Procházka, Director of External Sales Department, Kooperativa pojišťovna, a.s.

LM_0904_events___3.indd 71

Mrs. Jana Levová, Executive Director, Profit Investment v.o.s.

15.7.2009 19:48:02

cultural event

From left: Václav Riedlbauch, Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic, H.E. José Antonio García Belaúnde, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru and H.E. Alberto Salas Barahona, Ambassador of Peru

Concert of Juan Diego Florez and Latin American Contemporary Art Exhibition The exhibition Contemporary Latin American Art opened at the Nostic Palace, seat of the Ministry of Culture, on the occasion of the 14th meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of the Rio Group and the European Union. The opening ceremony was attended by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Peru, Uruguay, Costa Rica, the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic, Heads of nine Latin-American embassies accredited in the Czech Republic and members of the accredited diplomatic corps and other leading representatives of Czech institutions.

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE 72

LM_0904_events____4.indd 72

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: H.E. Alberto Salas Barahona, Ambassador of Peru, Juan Diego Florez, Peruvian Tenor with spouse and Roman Bělor, Director of Prague Spring International Music Festival

15.7.2009 20:17:49

From left: Joseph Drebitko, Chairman/CEO Activ a.s., Richard Graber, former Ambassador of the USA to the Czech Republic, Mrs. Iva Drebitko, President of Triga Club, H.E. Charles Fries, Ambassador of France, Mrs. Hélene Fries and H.E. Mr. Alberto Salas Barahona, Ambassador of Peru

From left: Mrs. Marisol Palacio, H.E. José Antonio García Belaúnde, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, H.E. Alberto Salas Barahona, Ambassador of Peru and Ernesto Palacio, Manager of Juan Diego Florez and former Peruvian Tenor

H.E. Alberto Salas Barahona, Ambassador of Peru and Mrs. Monika Arkai

From left: Mr. Dimitrios Papantonakis, husband of the Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Alberto Salas Barahona, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Mrs. Diana Espino de Papantonakis, Ambassador of Uruguay and H.E. Mr. Gonzalo Fernández, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay

H.E. Mr. José Luis Bernal Rodríguez, Ambassador of Mexico and Mrs. Emilli Čechová, Director of the Department for foreign Affairs of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic

H.E. Mr. Alberto Salas Barahona, Ambassador of Peru and H.E. Mrs. Leda Lucía Martins Camargo, Ambassador of Brazil

In mid-May a concert of a Peruvian tenorist Juan Diego Florez was held in the principal hall of Rudolfinum in Prague during the Prague Spring music festival. The Peruvian singer was accompanied by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Christopher Franklin. Juan Diego Florez sang easily and his elegant voice presented arias mainly from Italian operas by Donizetti, Bellini, Gounod, Verdi or Rossini.

LM_0904_events____4.indd 73

The exhibition presented paintings, lithographs, engravings and photographs by artists from Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, typical of which is a variable and rich creativity of contemporary artists of this region.

From left: Jan Kohout, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, H.E. José Antonio García Belaúnde, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru and H.E. Alberto Salas Barahona, Ambassador of Peru

15.7.2009 20:18:11

An interview with David Vodrážžka, Deputyy Leader of the Civic Democrats (ODSS)

A Man Preparing for the Leap from the Local to the National Politics David Vodrážka (1971) graduated from the Faculty of Educattion, University of Hradec Králové and the Institute of Finance and Administration. After the university he worked as a manager in the private sector. Since December 2002 he has serv rved as the mayor of Prague 13. In the 2006 regional electionss he was elected to the Prague City Council where he chairs the transpport rtation committee. On December 7, 2008, he was unexpectedly elected the Deputyy Leader of the, at that time ruling, Civic Democrats. Mr. Vodrážka is married with three children. He enjoys sports and mussic. He has played the drums with the rock’n’roll band the Screwballs for almo most twenty years. Your relative youth fits to the tradition of young mayors of Prague City districts. What has driven you as a young man to municipal politics? I joined the Civic Democrats in 1998. My decision was motivated purely by my interest to influence somehow the development and life in Prague 13 where I have lived. During the first four years I was neither member of the municipal council nor councilor. In 2002 I won the party primaries and the Civic Democrats nominated me for the mayor office without any previous council experience.

Before that I had visited the town hall only twice – first for my ID card and then to fix up something about a dustbin. So it is not a cliché too say that it really was a challenge for me and a step into thhe unknown. Till then I had been running my own business s. When I became the mayor the rest was sort of a natural process. In what way are you personally bound to Prague 13 district? The Vodrážka fam mily lives in Prague 13, or Stodůlky at that time, in the fourr th generation. I was born here, grew

up, went to school and later went to the secondary technical school where I stuudied e electrical engineering. I remember when there were f ieldds all around here and just five thousand people living. Tod oday, there is fifty eight thousand people living in Stoodůllky ky. How would you characterize the Prague 13 district in the context of the Capital City of Prague? There are quite a few speeciff ic features. Perhaps not many people know the factt thhatt we are the youngest district with the average agee off 335. We are the highest

Phhooto: Pho to Vl Vladi adi dimí mírír We Weiss iss is

Interviews.indd 74

Leaders Magazine IV/2009

16.7.2009 8:38:28

situateed ed distrr icc t withh the cleeaanest air. We are located at the weesttern frr innge off Praague and a the west winds blowing towardds Prague ue bringg freesh air here. Stodůlky is the youngest annd the laatest of the finnished prefabricated block housee develoopmentss. Itt wass designed by the architect Obersstein andd the coonsttructiioon started only in the 1980s and waas finishhed afteer thhe revvoolution of 1989. Stilll, there iss a hugge develoopment land of the so called Westeer n City where up too 30 0000 people should live in the futuree. T his development lannd has been planned since the 19980s soo there is even a metro extension prepared for a deviation de that couuld reeach a the Ořech village in the futuree. Stodůlky is a residential ressidential district d at first sight. What is the position of bu business usiness in the Prague 13? I caame to th the pollitics from m business myself. I understand ho how impo portantt thee pressence of business in any city is. Theeree have ttoo be goodd condditions for business development because otherr wisse thee city becomes only a doss housee frrom where peopple ruun away during the day elsewheree. T hus I pay a loot of atteention, time and effort to encouragginng new w businnesss acttivvities in Stodůlky. Recently we havve been awardeed first prrize in the “City for Business” compeetiition. To be specififiic, we havve maainly automotive and car manufacttur uring coompaniies in ouur district. The headquarters of the Tooyota Motorss forr Cennttral and East Europe is here as welll as the head off ficee of Mercedes Benz. Almost all the main car manuffacturres are acctually represented here. Big emplooyers aree the shhopping ccentres that have been built over the he recentt yearr s inn the development area of Zličín. Amongg other co compannies havinng offices in Prague 13 are for instannce Phillip ips or BAASFF. Butt tthere is more to it. Thee innterest st of thee buusinessses to open their representationss and he headquaarteers inn Prague 13 is motivated by the exxce cellent accesssibillity of Stodůlky. The dual carriagewayy D5 endss right in Praggue 13, the bypass around Praguee cuts thhrough ourr distriict too and the International Ruzyněě Airport rt is jusst 10 minnute drive away from here. Metro line B ruuns through thhe heart of Stodůlky. All this meanss that wee have a grreat potential for further development and dynnamics in the buusiness sphere. This should help too retain compaaniees andd firms in Prague 13 that will emplooy peoplle that live heree and so the city will keep its compllex innerr life. A large residential residentiial area, a lot of young people living he here, ere, do you face any any signs of anti-social behavior or ex examples xamples of extremism? extrem mism? We arre awaare of thhe fact thhat such problems might occur. Soo we try too avoidd the situuaation that happened in similar areeass elsewh w ere wheere thee big concrete parts of cities becam me ghetttos. We havve finnished the sixth round of sellme ing offf of the council flatt s to their h legal tenants. The privatizatioon of thee counciil flaats shhoould help the situation when peoplee becom me the ow wnerss of their property, they are more likkely too identiff y with thhe neighborhood they live in and thheyy start to carre and beehave accordingly. We try to add too itt by inveestingg siggnificaant amounts of money to the surrouunddings of the block hoouses and to the creation of new green spaces. We receivved 48 million CZK from the EU funnds for the revitalizatioon of the inner yards of block housees. Thankss to thhe fact thhat we are successful in the creation on of thee imagee of Stoddůlky ů as a non-ghetto suburb, but onn thhe conntrary we build up the image of a place where life is nicce andd pleasaant, we do not face the situation when there wo would be a conncentrattioon of people who would not identiff y with the placce where tthey live. Do you have to deal deeal with the th impacts of the financial an and nd economic crisiss on the municipality m level already?

Yes indeed, we can feel certain impacts. Now, we are expecting the economic result of the Capital City of Prague. We depend to a large extennt on the subsidies and financial provisions from the Cappital City. Since we are a fringe suburb we do not have anyy significant income besides the official budget channelss. We do not lease shops, restaurants or other businesss ventures. We own preliminarily block houses with their very small non-residential spaces and you cannot expect any real income from it, indeed. This is a big difference in comparison with the inner districts. The crisis will then hit us definitively. But there is a positive side to the crr isis. When we plan reconstructions of schools, nursery scchools or any of our communal properties we manage to settle much better contracts and conditions than just a couple of years ago. The private sector is trying to downsize its investments and so the municipalities are becom ming very attractive investors. The competition puts a press sure on the prices. With the money we had for investmentt s two years ago we get much more done today. You mentioned that you received money from the EU funds for recultivation of the inner yards. Does it mean that the EU funds can be accessible to municipalities and city districts and can be an important source of investment money? Yes, definitely. I do not want to loook boasting but we have got the biggest amount of moneyy from the EU funds in the Czech Republic for ecological projects connected to education – heat isolating of schoools, complex energy audits and energy conservations. It has been altogether some 190 million CZK for reconstructiions of schools and we succeeded thanks to our project of solar panels for school buildings. The money will helpp us greatly in this effort. Districts should be proactive and I talk to my fellow mayors from my position of the Deputyy Leader of the Civic Democrats that they should not just beg for money from the state budget, regions or cities, butt they should be active towards the EU funds. You can reallly reach for them. It is not an easy job. You have to have highhly qualified people to prepare the projects for you and sometimes it also needs flying to Brussels and taking thee effort. You became the Deputy Leader of the Civic Democrats still rather recently. Have you established your position already? This should be answered by otherr s, not by me. But I would say that more or less yes. I waas the deputy chairman of Prague Civic Democrats. This iss sort of similar, just one political level higher. The difference is that you have to orient in a wider range of issues and problems of the national politics. As a mayor you deal with a variety of things but rather concrete ones – whether you build a kids’ playground, refurbish a school, where youu get the money for it etc. In the national politics it is morre about the visions and the overall orientation of the country – whether you will create more deficits or make budgget cuts. This is the difference, but I have gone through this phase already. Your position within the leadership of the Civic Democrats is a political one, or is it more about the managerial role within the party? The position of the Deputy Leaderr in the Civic Party is foremost about the managerial role in the party. I have been criticized for not being more vissible as a politician and being the Deputy Leader. But it is about the everyday work within the organization of the party. The leader is here to represent the political party annd to communicate the party visions and the party mannifesto. The Deputy Leader works inside the party. Otherw wise practically, within the leadership I am responsible foor the preparations

of the party manifesto for the general elections and its topics – environment, agriculture, social program etc. In autumn you will be the party leader on the Prague ballot list for the general elections. Does it mean that you will leave local politics? It probably means the move to national politics. It will depend on the outcome of the elections. I will have to decide whether I will finish the term as the mayor or whether I will leave the position early. It will depend on the circumstances. However, I would like to finish the job which I have started here at the townhall. Most of the things have been planned for the 4-year term. If I am elected to the House of Deputies I would have a year left as the mayor. Nonetheless, the election will mean a move from Prague 13 to the “big” national politics no doubt. As a mayor you have to deal with a whole spectrum of issues and problems. At the national politics you have to profile over a certain issue or area. With what topic do you want to enter the big politics in autumn? What is your sphere of interest? My topic is the area which the Civic Democrats are not being that much connected with. It is the environment. This topic is very important and interests a lot of people. We do face a climatic change that is happening and will bring along its consequences. In my opinion, it is not necessary to argue whether it is caused by a human activity or not, or in what proportion to other agents of the change is the human contribution. Now we have to act in a responsible way towards nature and environment and together with that find the ways how not to contribute to negative changes, their speed and extent more than it is absolutely necessary. This is something that the Civic Party should take as their topic. We need to show that we are a right wing party which reflects ecological issues and knows how to protect the environment. Our ambition is to pass the Earth onto our children in no worse condition than we have got it from our parents. This is something that I want to contribute to. Will you be then satisfied with a seat in the environmental committee and not for instance with a seat in some of the influential committees such as budget or defense? I have not thought about it in such details yet. Nonetheless, it is logical that the environment and sustainable development are the areas of my interest. Those topics are present in almost all areas of politics, maybe with the exceptions of justice and defense. They are present in transportation, industry, energy, health, etc. I am of the opinion that the Civic Party should not have one chapter on environment, but should rather have the environment issues included under every resort and should have it covered by every ministry with its individual specifics and contributions that they can bring to the environment protection and sustainable development. How are the Screwballs doing this season? Do you have still new songs? Any concerts ahead of you? The reality is that we do not perform on stage as often as we used to. Now, we find ourselves in somewhat maintenance phase. It is not that much now about having new songs. We all have our own professions besides music. It is a great relax, though, and a hobby which I want to keep in the future. I play the drums since I was fourteen. I try to practice still, but our youngest kid is just 10 months and when I start to play my wife is not exactly all over the moon. By Filip Hubáček I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 75

16.7.2009 16:37:12

PaedDr.. Alen PaedDr Alenaa Gajd Gajdůšk ůšk šková ováá ov 1st ViceVice-Cha Chairm irman ann off the Seenat na e na of the Parli Parliame ament nt of the the CCzzech Re Repub Rep publicc public Photo: Pho to: Ar Archi chive ve

Should Be the Czech EU Presidency Evaluated Successfully, the Lisbon Treaty has to Be Ratiﬁed Interviews.indd 76

16.7.2009 16:03:56

An interview with PaedDr. Alena Gajdůšková, 1st Vice-Chairwoman of the Senatee of the Parliament of the Czech Reppublicc You are the highest positioned woman in the Czech politics at present. How did you get there? I am deeply convinced that I would have never been elected if there had not been many years of work in municipal politics behind me. People obviously knew me and the election district of the Senate is relatively small. Moreover, I had experience that manifested during the election campaign system. However, I consider my biggest success that people elected me in 1990 in free elections repeatedly and I managed to win in my election district. Was it difficult to win recognition among men? I still think that the Czech society looks at women’s career a little bit with contempt. Yet, women scarcely ever fight for position. You keep working and if you want to become a significant partner for men, you have to work a lot. In a trice a woman achieves it, she acquires certain advantage. Colleagues do not take the liberty of being aggressive. The Senate expressed consent with the Lisbon Treaty ratification. If, however, it is not going to be signed by the President, it cannot take effect. I am saying that at this point the President does not have any other choice but to sign the Lisbon Treaty. It is in his competence. At the same time, he has the right to delegate the preparation of the contract to other members of the government which President Václav Klaus has already done. The Prime Minister with President’s approval negotiated the Lisbon Treaty and handed it to the Parliament as he committed to sign it on the international field. Both chambers of the Parliament gave assent to it, they are connived with the Lisbon Treaty wording and give the assent to the President that he can sign what he has negotiated. However, Mr. President is putting it differently. He claims that he is not going to sign. If he did not want to sign it if he did not agree with it, he should not have submitted it to us. Does the Czech Social Democratic Party (ČSSD) prepare any steps in this context? The Lisbon Treaty ratification is not only the ČSSD´s business; basically, it is the concern of the legislative authority as such and thus related to all political parties. Currently, it is necessary to wait if the President turns to the Constitutional Court. According to the Czech Constitution he is obliged to do so immediately. I called upon Mr. President that if he had any obstacle to his tenure of office, he should step back. The Constitution says that if the President is not able to exercise his duties, his competence has to be transferred. The President’s behaviour is inconceivable indeed. It erodes the legislative authority and weakens the legal state if the head of state does not act according to the duties imposed by the Constitution. Nonetheless, 17 senators of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) proclaimed they were going to file an action to the Constitutional Court to decide whether the Lisbon Treaty was in accordance with the Czech constitutional order. Yes, again they should act without delay. So far,

no claim has been submitted. In a way, once you observe the entire process of agreements negotiation and ratification, it is absurd that the President protested against something what is his competence to negotiate. Mr. President has not used his time and now he has not any. Do you have any signals from the EU institutions concerning the ratification process in the Czech Republic? All we have met so far, including the European Commission President, highlighted the indispensability of the successful completion of the Lisbon Treaty ratification. Should be the Czech EU Presidency evaluated successfully, the Lisbon Treaty has to be ratified. The change of the government was rather inconvenient, yet it is not essential at present. The substantial for the whole Europe is the Lisbon Treaty ratification. How do you perceive the further EU integration? The further EU integration is inevitable. As long as Europe does not sound with one voice we are not able to be a strong global player. Any EU member state does not manage to ensure and even increase their citizens’ living standard, citizens’ security, speak nothing of the environment. It can indeed look like Europe is far away as though it would not relate to individuals. However, it essentially concerns any person. The Lisbon Treaty involves one more thing. National politicians are getting under cover behind the well known “Brussels instructs”. They unwillingly admit that they are taking part in Brussels issues. Unfortunately, people are becoming only little aware of to what degree also decision making in Europe influences their daily living. Europe is a genius project, it is utterly democratic and the Lisbon Treaty strengthens it even more. According to you, is the European Union an option for the current economic crisis solution as well? Yes, it is absolutely obvious that the crisis and its consequences are the issues no EU member country is able to manage separately. The Czech Republic with its measures can take care of, protect and prevent the worst social fall-outs concerning particular persons. This is also in the gesture of national states. However, the certainty that our economy recovers completely can be ensured only by joint steps within the European framework. Well, at least within Europe. Preferably on the global scale, yet again only if Europe is a relevant actor as a unit. Otherwise it will not be able to get involved in the global solution. Statistics show that the majority of people in the Czech Republic are pro-European. How do you explain the growing nationalism and extremism in our country? It primarily concerns young generation. They do not know some things and do not realize consequences of their behaviour. Their motto is one nation. Yet, they have forgotten that the nation would not have existed for a long time if Hitler had finished up

his work. Moreover, unfortunately the extreeme rightt s cooperate with educated elites. However, I see thhe problem in morals, education itself does noot sufficee. The whole society has to fight xenophobiia; racism m and extremism and immediately. How? The society needs to work with peopple of all groups. And thus, to set up public opinionn. The waay how public media approached the whhole thinng was totally unconscionable in this resppect. Theey provided PR services for this group and their acttivities for free. The Czech Television and the Czecch Broadcasting for instance notified in advannce wherre neo-Nazis were going to meet. In this conteext, I eveen wrote to the Syndicate of Journalists. I have noot received any response so far. This is one distincc t problem. Another problem is that some politicianns basically say racist statements as well. A change is necessary here. You work as a patients’ ombudsman for Moravia at present. According to you, is the health care system in the Czech Republic at satisfactory level? Our health care system is of high qualityy. We maanage to ensure for a health care at world level annd at the same time very cheap. A great probleem seem ms to be that the previous health care ministter Julíneek put doctors against patients and patientt s againsst doctors. Can you specify it? I mean primarily the imposition of thhe fee foor health care. I am fundamentally against feees makinng barriers in the access to care. It makes prooblems to people and it does not concern just social casess. So, it can happen that those people counting every crown will really not go to see a doctor. T hese arre families with small children, retired, uneemployedd, and socially weak people. Moreover, it can alsso be people with disorders which do not huurt as diaabetics or people with high or low pressuure. Thesse patients are a big problem. They have to be permaanently monitored. If they do not attennd regulaar check-ups, the treatment is spoiled. Thhe follow wup therapy then costs much more. Moreoveer, the Constitutional Court stated that if a barrier in the access to care because of the fee im mpositioon appeared, the legislator was obliged to canncel them m. Do you have time for your hobbies? How do you relax? My work is my hobby. I do not actually have tim me for anything else. I have two granddaughters annd this is the best relaxation. My original proofession is a teacher, so kids and young people always refressh me. I enjoy talking to them. We also livve next to a forest and I am glad I can go out for a while, sit down in the garden or walk in forest. This is the greaatest rest for me. By Pavlína Holaancová I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersm magazine.ccz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 77

16.7.2009 16:06:08

Brno is Becoming the Center of Innovations

Photos: Archive

The city of Brno started to develop dynamically after the period of economic transformation that took place in 1990s. This dynamism has taken on additional momentum recently. The development of the city needs to be streamlined and coordinated effectively in order to prevent it from becoming non-conceptual and uncontrolled, which frequently leads to deterioration of the quality of life in the city and, on the other hand, to increased expenditure. The principal conceptual development document in the city is without question the Strategy for Brno. An essential pillar of this Strategy for the future of the city is definitely represented

by research, development, innovation and education. More than eighty thousand students attending local universities and colleges in Brno underline the importance of this pillar. An essential part of the graduates remain in Brno after completing their studies, providing thus the city with a large pool of qualified workforce. That is also why Brno is becoming a center of innovation. One of the essential projects, which will remarkably influence not only the city’s future development, but also the competitiveness of Brno, is the Masaryk University Campus. The capacity of the campus has been designed to host about 4800 students and about 800 university teachers, scientists and researchers. The recently opened INBIT biotechnology incubator facility is also situated on the campus. Another project of strategic importance is CEITEC (Central European Institute of Technology), on the basis of which a modern center of excellence in science, focusing on the development of applied research in the areas of natural science, technology and biomedicine. Thanks to a joint project of the St. Anne’s University Hospital and the prestigious U.S.based Mayo Clinic, an International Clinical

Research Center (ICRC) is under construction in Brno. Additional projects oriented on research and innovations exist or are in the pipeline in Brno Apart from projects oriented in that direction, finally I would also like to mention a project entitled Europoint Brno, dealing with the redevelopment of the city’s railway junction, and furthermore the completion of the Outer Ring Road, which will considerably expedite the traffic in the city. On the one hand I am sorry about not having more space here to brief you on additional development activities of the city of Brno; yet on the other hand I am pleased by the fact that there are so many of them. I have a reason to believe that Brno will keep this development dynamism in place thanks to projects with high added value in the areas of research and innovation, even in the challenging times of the economic crisis, and that it will remain faithful to the Brno – City of the Future prize, which was awarded to it at the trade fair MIPIM – the largest European show of real estate and investment opportunities. By Roman Onderka I Mayor of the City of Brno

Brno se stává centrem inovací Město Brno se po období ekonomické transformace, které proběhlo v 90. letech minulého století, začalo velmi dynamicky rozvíjet. Nyní tato dynamika nabírá na síle. Rozvoj města je třeba efektivně usměrňovat a koordinovat, aby nedošlo k nekoncepčnímu živelnému rozvoji, který často vede ke snížení kvality života ve městě a naopak ke zvýšení finančních výdajů. Hlavním koncepčním rozvojovým dokumentem ve městě je bezesporu Strategie pro Brno. Zásadním pilířem této Strategie pro budoucnost města je určitě výzkum, vývoj, inovace a vzdělávání. Význam tohoto pilíře je podtržen více jak osmdesáti tisíci studenty, kteří v Brně studují na místních univerzitách a vysokých školách. Podstatná část absolventů v Brně zůstává i po skončení studia a město tak disponuje velkým množstvím kvalifikované pracovní síly. I proto se Brno stává centrem inovací. Mezi zásadní projekty, které významným

Ostrava_Brno.indd 78

způsobem ovlivní nejen budoucí rozvoj, ale zejména konkurenceschopnost Brna patří kampus Masarykovy univerzity. Kapacita areálu nového kampusu je navržena pro cca 4800 studentů a cca 800 vysokoškolských pedagogů a vědecko-výzkumných pracovníků. Součástí areálu je nedávno otevřený biotechnologický inkubátor INBIT. Dalším strategicky významným projektem je CEITEC (Central European Institute of Technology), na jehož základě bude vybudováno moderní centrum excelentní vědy, které se zaměří na rozvoj aplikovaného výzkumu v přírodních, technických a biomedicínských oborech. Díky společnému projektu Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny a prestižní americké Mayo Clinic vzniká v Brně Centrum mezinárodního klinického výzkumu ICRC (International Clinical Research Center). V současné době již v Brně existuje nebo vzniká více projektů zaměřených na výzkum a inovace. Mimo takto orientované projekty

bych chtěl závěrem zmínit projekt Europoint Brno, řešící přestavbu železničního uzlu, a dále například dokončení Velkého městského okruhu, který značně urychlí dopravu ve městě. Na jednu stranu mě mrzí, že zde nemám prostor Vám více přiblížit další rozvojové aktivity města Brna, na druhou stranu mě těší, že jich je tak velké množství. Věřím, že tuto dynamiku rozvoje si Brno udrží díky projektům s vysokou přidanou hodnotou v oblastech výzkumu a inovací i v nelehké době ekonomické krize a že zůstane věrno ocenění Brno – City of the Future, které obdrželo na veletrhu MIPIM – největší evropské přehlídce nemovitostí a investičních příležitostí.

Roman Onderka I primátor statutárního města Brna

Leaders Magazine IV/2009

15.7.2009 19:42:22

south moravian region

Ĺ pilberk Castle

South Moravian Region

The Biotech Incubator INBIT

Masaryk University Campus in Brno-Bohunice

Ostrava_Brno.indd 79

St. Peter and Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral

16.7.2009 13:29:27

An interview with Professor Petr Štěpánek, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Enngineering, Brno University of Technology

OUR COOPERATION WITH The Private Sector Is Successful

Professor Petr Štěpánek graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology and in maathematical informatics from Jan Evangelista Purkyně University (Masaryk University nowadays) in Brno. He started to work at the Department of Structural Mechanics, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology. In 1986 he went over to the Department of Concrete Structures and Bridges. Since 1990s he has also been part-owner and technical director of project and expert ﬁrm BESTEX. Since February 2003 he has held the position of the dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology. Professor Štěpánek has been a member of many scientiiﬁc and professional societies. What brought you to the concrete and masonry structures? Initially, I devoted myself to mathematical modelling and algorithmization of structural mechanics problems. For a long time I was also attracted by problems connected with the realization of structures, in particular in the area of interaction of structures with subsoil. When I was transferred by the Faculty management to the Department of Concrete Structures and Bridges in 1986, I was not very keen at first. I had to learn new rules and provisions that had changed since my studies. Thanks to many colleagues from the department who took me

into the team I had the opportunity to work on solutions to interesting problems of concrete civil engineering. Since 1987 I had worked on many projects, expert opinions, load tests, and also on the creation of algorithms for projection and optimization (in particular) of concrete structures. Your second dean tenure terminates in January 2010. What were your objectives when you took up dean’s office? I set three main objectives. First, that the Faculty became dynamically developing pedagogical-scientific institution that has something to offer to its students and employees, and is respected not only in the Czech Republic, but also in Europe.

Secondly, I wanteed our students became active participants in educational proocess in all levels of studies, and could take part – according to their interests – into project, realization and research activvities at the Faculty during their studies. My third goal was thatt our graduates would have been able to assert themselves well at the labour market not only in the Czech Republic but abroaad as well. How did you want to reach them? First of all I havve to say that it was necessary to persuade and motivate all employees of the Faculty in order to reach the set objectives. Without them, it was just proclamations and

Photo: Archive

Interviews.indd 80

Leaders Magazine IV/2009

16.7.2009 8:45:42

propositions with no possibility to carry out. For that reason I discussed the main objectives and meanns too reach them not only within the Faculty management, but also with my colleagues at other Faculty institutes. Afteer harmonizing our opinions and views we formulated the maain areas of further progress. We defined 5 areas – pedagogical, research, human resources, international cooperation of thhe Faculty, F and economic and administration. In the pedagogicall area we focused on reaccreditation of study programmes (BA, MA, and also PhD studies) taking into account Faculty expeerience from last study terms, students talent-spotting froom the first grades (and prepare them on study stays and arr ticles abroad), and solving the problem of legislation of freee sttudies for Czech students studying in the English study programme without financial compensation that law lays dow wn unreasonably. In the research we aimed our attention to deeeppening of interfaculty and international cooperation, to baasic and applied research, and launching common laboraatorries. In the area of human resources we tried to improve unnsatisfactory age and qualification structure of the Faculty leccturers, because we needed outstanding and young scientissts.. What about international cooperation cooperatiion and economic and administration areas? In the area of international cooperation we concentrated on the preparation of transparent system off ouutgoing students and academic workers, improving the qualiity oof foreign department services, and on creation conditions foor increasing the number of outgoing people – especially Masster and PhD studies students. In the area of economic andd administration we supported institutes and other parts of Faccultty to develop own initiatives in relation to all activities at the Faculty, we also promoted the increase not only their decisionn-making powers, but also their responsibility, and securinng eenough financial resources to allocate them according to thee performance to those who managed to earn the resources. What did you manage to reach? It would be better if my colleagues froom the Faculty said what and to what extent of these plans waas fulfilled f than me. I think the success was that we got the acccreditation of the architect programme in BA and MA leveel; accreditation of master programme Realization of Structures and reaccreditation of PhD studies with the extended period of study from 3 to 4 years. We also succeeded in gettting two research projects and a range of grants. I also consider a success that we, as thhe first f in the Czech Republic, introduced in cooperation witth big construction companies so called education on order. T hee principle lied in that chosen students studied apart from theeir usual subjects other ones (e.g. economics, psychology of teaam management, foreign language) covered by the firm, andd took part in a longterm paid holiday articles at parent com mpaanies. Graduates thus mostly got a job at that parent com mpaanies, they knew company culture, they could be faster involved into productive activity, had faster promotion, and motivattionn to study. And on the contrary, the company “did not buy a pigg in a poke”, because they knew the graduate from previous cooperation. It is necessary to say that results the Facuulty reached during the past period are the outcome of worr k oof all employees of the Faculty. It is especially necessary to em mphasize the work of institutes and those Faculty employeees, who were willing to participate into activities with enthusiassm,, and devote their free time to prepare projects, employees who within additional activities worked on orders implemented thrrough our Faculty respectively. Where there are still shortages? I think it is necessary to continuously woorkk on improvement of qualification and age structure, on gaaining international projects, and on increasing the efficienccy of bachelor and master studies through reducing the hourss off direct teaching. For instance, the number of professors incrreased, their age average decreased moderately, but the num mber of associate professors is roughly the same and their agee average has not been decreasing significantly.

Summary Charge 3 Number of Professors at the Faculty

2,5 Cooperation with private sector (applied and industrial research), amount of finances of orders

Resources got from research activities

1,5

0,5

0 1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

How is your Faculty involved into the cooperation with the private sector? The cooperation with the private sector proceeds in several areas that are incorporated either into pedagogical, research, or into additional activities. Within pedagogical activity we are developing paid lifelong education (in particular in subjects Water Constructional Works and Material Engineering), we are engaged in the “education on order” system not only for our students, but also for workers from practical life (direct orders from companies), and we also cooperate with the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians (ČKAIT) to provide their expert activities (courses, seminars, days of new technologies). In the research area, we are deepening our cooperation with innovative firms and businessmen. The results are patents, industrial models, technologies, prototypes and functional sample respectively. We are working on projects farmed out directly by firms, or on projects that are supported by ministries, grant agencies, and EU in cooperation with firms and our partners in private sector. The additional activities represent significant source of financing. I personally value the growth of orders and their amount of finances in this area, because nobody from cooperating firms would order “research for research”, or “work that does not bring anything to the submitter”. How do your graduates assert themselves at the labour market? According to the statistics and surveys that we have there is an interest in our graduates. In particular, in those who apart from professional knowledge possess the knowledge of language, ability to think economically, and how to treat people. On that account, there is an interest within “education on order” in soft skills. Also a feedback that Faculty gets through so called Industrial Council which includes representatives of firms and institutions working in all parts of building industry and geodesy shows that there is an interest in our graduates. How would you assess the involvement of your Faculty into European and international research in comparison with other similarly oriented faculties in the Czech Republic? It is not possible to make a comparison generally. It is necessary to distinguish subject areas in which the institution works. Unlike life sciences and high-tech area there is a smaller scope for basic research in civil engineering (perhaps with the exception of material research) and bigger scope for applied research. The priorities of European research such as new materials and technologies, quality of life or energy and

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

environment, in which we can apply for money to implement our projects, indicate that. Every year the Faculty gets from international projects about 2–4 percent of all resources gained within research activities, and from the standpoint of number of orders, it is about 10 percent of total number of research projects. From this statistics follows that we still have deficit in this area, especially in the number of gained resources than in the number of acquired projects. This situation could be improved by upcoming regional centre AdMaS (Advanced Materials and Structures) that has applied for the support within the Operational Programme Research and Development for Innovation, and also the part of the Faculty in upcoming project centre of excellence CEITEC. If I have information, the situation at other faculties of civil engineering in the Czech Republic and Slovakia are similar in this area. How do you view the reform of financing the science and research in the Czech Republic? I am sure that part of the resources expended on science and research is not effectively used, these resources do not produce adequate results respectively. However, I am convinced that there should not be the aim to think up methodology in the Czech Republic that will compare incomparable, e.g. only on the basis of publications in impacted magazines and points gathered for them. On the other hand, the number of patents, industrial models and technologies is not a criterion; the number of for example sold licenses should be compared. Also omitting international conferences from science and research assessment negatively handicaps especially technical disciplines. It is about that someone competent and strong enough (in the best case government) decided what and under which conditions would be supported. We do not need to think up universal “scientometrics” with big expenses in the Czech Republic to do this. Unfortunately, the economic crisis starts influencing everything here, so the firms which supported applied research in the past are forced to reduce significantly their own expenses. And the expenses on science and research are the easiest ones to cancel. I expect a lot from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic that could be a contribution to the area of applied research. However, everything depends on the decision how much money will go to the basic and to the applied research. By Zuzana Kasáková I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

s Interviews.indd 81

16.7.2009 8:45:59

prague city hall

16th Business Evening by Prague 6

From left: MUDr. Pavel Bém, Lord Mayor of the City of Prague and Tomáš Chalupa, Mayor, Municipal District Prague 6 in his welcoming speech

at Břevnov Monastery

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

LM_0904_events___3.indd 82

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Prof. Ing. Jiří Fárek, CSc., First Deputy Mayor Metropolitan District Prague 6, P. Petr Prokop Siostrzonek, OSB, Převor Benedikinské Arciopatství St. Vojtěcha and St. Markéty and Prof. Ing. Stanislav Adamec, DrSc., President, Olympik Holding, a.s. with wife

16.7.2009 16:52:23

Prof. Ing. František Hrdlička, PhD., Dean Czech Technical University in Prague Faculty of Mechanical Engineering with his wife

Ing. Marie Kousalíková, Deputy Mayor of Prague and her grandchild

Ing. Jan Kodeš, Legendary Tennis Player and Martina Schlonzová

From left: Jan Hrubeš, Head of the Municipal District Office of Prague 6 and Alexander Hemala with his wife

From left: Ing. Paleček and General Tomáš Sedláček

Colonel Ing. Radim Studený, Captain of the Castle Guard

From left: Anatoly Agapov, Minister-Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in the Czech Republic with his wife and Tomáš Chalupa, Mayor, Municipal District Prague 6 and his wife

The Borough of Prague 6 Social Night took place the sixteenth time in June. This year, it took place on less pompous premises of the Břevnov Monastery complex. The Social Night is a traditional social meeting of associations and clubs located in Prague 6, distinguished artists, athletes, entrepreneurs and Freemen of Prague 6. Among the invited are also Prague Mayors and Councilors, Government Members, Deputies, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors or their Deputies resident in Prague 6. The Social Night includes also philanthropy. The Borough of Prague 6 has been traditional supporter of the Holy Family Home. This year has also brought donation money from the sale of artifacts made during the event to improve life quality in the Home where the mentally handicapped find refuge. Aside from this, the Borough of Prague 6 attempted to gain more by selling graphic sheets with Břevnov Monastery motif to cover 83 rehabilitation and renewals of local gardens that were totally destroyed and devastated „care of“ the past regime.

LM_0904_events___3.indd 83

15.7.2009 19:59:58

From left: MUDr. Marián Hošek, Deputy Minister, Segment of Social Policy, Social Services and Family Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and P. Petr Prokop Siostrzonek, OSB, Převor Benedikinské Arciopatství St. Vojtěcha a St. Markéty

From left: Martin Tůma, Moresta, Mrs. Jana Loskotová and Ing. Tomáš Kindl, Country Director, McKinnon & Clarke Czech Republic with wife Ivana

Pavel Šporcl, Virtuous Violin Player

Ing. Jana Bobošíková, former Member of EU Parliament and PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Owner Miro Gallery

H.E. Jaakov Levy, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Czech Republic with his family

From left: Jiří Pavlica and Prof. Ing. Václav Havlíček, CSc., Rector, ČVUT with his wife

84 Mrs. Camilla Solomon, Fashion Designer and Marek Vašut, Moderator

LM_0904_events___3.indd 84

Mrs. Lucie Pilátová, Romax and Roman Minařík, Owner, Romax

17.7.2009 10:33:17

sport event

During the opening, a PRO-AM Tournament took place, where Alex Čejka was playing in 9 holes in the contest “PORAŽ ALEXE ČEJKU” – beating Alex Čejka – with Klára Spilková, Emily Curry Bartoňová, Simon Holmes. Afterwards a gala reception took place in the presence of Professor Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Mr. Milan Veselý, President of the Czech Golf Federation, Mr. Vladimír Motlík,President of the Prague City Golf Club and many invited guests.

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic cutting the ribbon and Vladimír Motlík, President of the Prague City Golf Club

Grand Opening of the Prague City Golf Club

From left: Benke Aikell, Your Publisher, Joseph Drebitko, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Activ a. s., Ing. Arch Eva Drebitko, President, Triga Foundation and Jirí Weigl, Head of President Office with son

Alex Čejka, the best Czech born Professional Golfer getting out from a bunker

LM_0904_events____4.indd 85

Cheers after the official opening, from left: Alex Čejka, the best Czech born Professional Golfer, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Vladimír Motlík, President of the Prague City Golf Club and Marek Eben, Moderator

17.7.2009 10:37:45

From left: Pavel Huťka, Ing. Petr Kuchár, General Director and Chairman of the Board, Navatyp Group, a.s. and Antonín Panenka, Czech legendary Football Player

Mrs. Maria Jelínek, former World Figure Skating Champion and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic Mrs. Marie Jehličková, President, Czech Golf Travel Association and Jaroslav Kunzl, Director, Czech Golf Consulting

From left: Ing. Mgr. Akad. Arch. Adam Slabý, Slaby Architects, Mrs. Lucie Motlíková, Vladimír Motlík, President of the Prague City Golf Club and Tomáš Janeba, Managing Director, Carollinum

Marie Kousalíková, Deputy Mayor, City of Prague, Prague City Council and Mr. František Kozel

Mrs. Zuzana Sláviková and Jack MIller

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic chatting with Alex Čejka, the best Czech born Professional Golfer

From left: Jaroslav Novák and Ing. Karel Žalský, President, Interprospekt CZ s.r.o. From left: Tomáš Polišenský, Managing Director, B1, a.s. and Petr Keller, Managing Director, Starlite Productions s.r.o.

86 From left: Alex Čejka, the best Czech born Professional Golfer, Mr. Milan Veselý, President of the Czech Golf Federation and Marek Eben, Moderator

LM_0904_events____4.indd 86

From left: Ing. Pavel Hlinka, General Manager and CEO, Orea Hotels a.s., Pavel Závitkovský, Partner, Audit, KPMG Czech Republic s.r.o., Rudolf Radiňák, Doc. Ing. Štěpán Müller, CSc., Rector, Vysoká Škola Hotelová and his wife

15.7.2009 20:19:15

The construction of the course started in 2006 and it is the first 18 hole course in Prague. The Prague City Golf Club was built on 156 hectares only 2 km from the Zbraslav Castle and near to the Berounka river. The land is owned by the Barton family and is leased for 50 years to the course investor, Vladimír Motlík. As the result of the flood in 2002, the City changed the planning which allowed for the building of a golf course. The City of Prague also plans to build a recreational park and water lagoon adjacent to the golf course. We have to thank three gentlemen who worked together as a team to create this course. One of them is Alex Čejka, the course designer and three-time winner on the PGA tour, Jeremy Ford, an experienced architect of several courses in Europe and the USA, and Mick McShane, the head shaper, who carried out the ideas of the architect and designer. The Prague City Golf Club course is conceived as a championship course which has ambitions to host professional tournaments on the highest level. With five sets of tees, the course is designed to be very playable by recreational golfers. The first nine holes have the characteristics of a links course, and the second nine of a lakes course. The greens are very undulating and inspired by the links courses of Ireland and Scotland. The greens range in size from 450 sq m (16th green) up to 2000 sqm (the 4th and 6th double green). One of the most unique characteristics of the course is the use of reddish coloured sandy waste areas, which appear to be bunkers, but are not hazards. A unique feature of the club is the 18 hole putting course called the Himalayas, and modelled after a similar course at the St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland. Our 19th hole is not the clubhouse, but an extra golf hole of 300 m which is used as a practice hole and is especially useful for beginners to learn the rules and etiquette of golf. The club also encompasses a 9 hole public par 3 course, a driving range with 18 covered positions, and two short game practice areas. A second driving range located near the first tee is used for a warm-up before playing. The clubhouse contains a reception area, men’s and ladies’ changing rooms, a club storage room and a restaurant and lounge. The architect was Barbara Hamplova who also designed the exclusive LS Club and restaurant V Zatisi. The changing rooms were designed in the style of the traditional English locker rooms. The prestigious Alex Čejka’s Logical Golf Academy has operated for two years at the Prague City Golf Club and provides a high level of golf instruction for children and adults. The academy uses advanced training methods which speeds and enhances the golf learning experience.

Alex Čejka, the best Czech born Professional Golfer in action

LM_0904_events____4.indd 87

15.7.2009 20:20:01

One of the social events of the year in Gothenburg (Göteborg) – Sweden was the celebration of its citizen Jacob Broström – descendent from the shipping empire Broströms. The event took place in the Royal Bachelors´Club in Gothenburg (Göteborg).

jubilee

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

60 YEARS

Jacob Broström – himself

JACOB BROSTRÖM

The Band – “Hej a° ha° med Peter ”

88 Frederik Werner with his wife

LM_0904_events____4.indd 88

Mathilda and Alexander Broström

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Dan Bexer, “Lillan” Alarik and Jacob Broström

15.7.2009 20:14:05

Hans Josefson, Musician and Opera Singer

From left: Michal Moseby and Lars Mattson

Lars Löfberg

Peter Alarik, Chairman Stockholm´s Auktionsverk

Hans and Anne Holm

From left: Marianne Hanson, Annette Bexer and Kerstin Behrn

From left: Anneli Johansson, Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Porchie Broström

From left: Petter Berglund and Claes Piehl from England

Holger Freiberg with dancing partner

Veronika Magnusson

LM_0904_events____4.indd 89

From left: Bo Hansson and Peter Johan Behrn with wife Kerstin

From left: Fredrik Waern Waern and Ingemar Nyman, Lawyer

Fritjof Platou and Bo Eneroth

15.7.2009 20:14:41

Jacob Broström with daughter Mathilda “Mulle” Broström

Porchie Broström, Jacob Broström and Lars Mattson

From left: Héléne Ohlander, Elisabeth Ankarcrona and Monica Mann Gösta Meyer with wife

From left: Mrs. Lena Dahren, Ulf Dahren and Ann-Marie Olin

From left: Ann-Marie Olin and Yvonne Rosell

Jan and Gabriela Ekman

LM_0904_events____4.indd 90

From left: Jacob Broström, Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Oscar von Sydow

From left: Jacob Broström and “Cege” Carl-Gustaf Mann, Manager, The Royal Bachelors´ Club

15.7.2009 20:16:42

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 with thh 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 is 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 lifife. ur e T hhee Mor e. orav avia av iania nSile Si leesi sian a Regio eggio ionn rreepr pres 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 alsso ec ecol o oggiccal a bbur urrde dens ns cau cauuseed esspe p cial allly l b its by t s orir en e 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 the he reg egio i n in io in regar egar ards d to th ds t ei eirr ellim imin inat in nat at iiooon. atio n. 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 liltyy. 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 of of th the la the landdsc land scap cap apee an andd to t eeco collogi co logi gica c l aw awar waren enes en es s. es ess. s. T he 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 tion tition 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 utiililisa saatition on of co comm mm mmun mun unal al was was aste tee willl be be inc incre reeas reas ased ed 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 agriculttuura rall pr prod odduc u tss who h se pro rodu d tion du is pro rovide 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 actitit ve 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 deeve 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 ve foc o us u edd on th thee in inccrreaase 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 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 ll 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 in tthe in 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 and towns for the fifinanccia iall m meean a s 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 thheref erref efor 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 tw woork 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 ia iall 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 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 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 The T he h byp y as as s of o KKrn rnov rn ov,, ass par ov parr t of o the con onne nect ne ect 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 aros osla 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 sttem em, kam m st stál 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 reepu publ 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, nab a íz í í ve vešk škker eré ppooddmíínk m ínkk y pr 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 přeeds dsta ttaaavu vuje vu je přítítítomno př om mno nost 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 mi 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 dstr tr aňov aňňov ován á í án těěch c too ekkooloogi gick ckk ýc ých ch zá zátě těží tě ěžžíí. VVeenk nkov ov lzee cha ov hara rakt ra k eerrizzov kt ovat a jak at a o trtrad trad a iččně 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 n cchh odp ní 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 jů,, 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 2020 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 litituu ve venk n ovva a přř i-ink sppět k jehho ttrr va v 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 hžž pro rodu odu dukc kce kc ce jee v naaššicch pooddm podm mín ínká k ch c vho hodn ddnná, á, je da dalš lšíí výý zvvou lš o nov ovéh éhoo ve éh v de d níí kra kra r je je. Nejddůl Ne ůlež e iittěj ější ším cí ším c leem, m k te terý rýý jsm smee si s daalli,i je akk titivn v ě vn 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 zmí m rň r ová ovván ání ání dopa do padů pa důů hhos oosspo podáářské řsskéé krir zee a ssou ouča ou časn ča s ě vy sn vytv tvář tv ářet ář et tak et t akov akov ak oé p ddm po mín mín ínky k y a mec ky echani haanniism smy, y, k te teré réé umoožn žníí daalš lšíí dy dyna n mi na micccký roz ozvo voj Moora vo voj ravs vsko vs skosl kooslez slez e sk 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 jiižž exist stujícíí doota t ačnní tititu tittuulyy, a to kaž aždý dým dý m rookeem m miini nmááln lně o 10 %, bude lně d v yt y vooře řen FFoondd reg egio gio ioná náln ná lníh ln íhho ro rozv zvoj zv ojje, e doo něhož ož bbudee roočn čněě z rrooozzp zpočtu očč kraj k je odv dved eden den enoo m miini nmáln máln má lně 1000 mi m l. Kč. č Pririmá máárnně bu m b de d tennto foonnd po podp dporroovvat dpor absoorrppčn č í 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 jiišt š ěn ě í mi m ni ni-máln má lněě 22,,5 ml ln m d. d Kč na dok okonnče ok čení nníí 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 títm př p ip ipoj o en oj eníí O Oss trr av a y na n dál álni ničn ni čníí sí čn sť naa poddzi z m le leto tošn to šního íhho ro roku oku a z aj a išš tě tění ní f in i an ancí c ppro cí roo ppok o ra ok račoová vání stt av avby Ost stt ra ravaa–Mokkré L azzce ce – jjak akoo ro ak rozh zzhhhod oduj od duj u íccí staav st avby by pro r kap apac aaccitní iitt ní ní nappoj ojen enní Op Opav avyy a záápadn paadn dníí čáást stii reegi gion oonnu na n kra r ajs jské jské k m měs ěssto to. Me Mezi zi prir ior or itityy pa orit or p tř tříí taaké dokonč ko n en nč e í dá dáln lnic ln icee na hhra ic r ani ra nici ni c s Pollsk ci skem em m a dob obud udov ud ovánní ov ován dáln dá lnn ční lnič ních c přiva ch řiřivaadě děčů č . Dů čů Důle l ži le ž to t u st s avvbo b u bu bude de t ak akéé obch ob chva ch vatt Kr va Krno nova no va jako akko so souč učás uč á t napo ás naapo poje jeení na jení na př přec e ho ec hodd Baarrttul u toovi vice cee a dál álee na ppol olsk ol skkou ddál álni nici c A 44.. ci Jaro Ja roosl slav avv 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

L ad Le ader ers er rs Ma M ga gazi z ne zi ne IV/ 20 2009 0 09

P rt Pa r neer:r

Ostrava_Brno.indd 91

15.7.2009 19:43:58

The Moravian-Silesian Region Offers Tourists Great Opportunities

Ostrava at night

The Moravian-Silesian Region has a great deal to offer tourists, as visitors to the Czech Tourism Information Centre on Old Town Square in Prague could recently learn for themselves. At the presentation event held June 12–18, 2009, visitors could obtain valuable information about northern Moravia and Silesia, while also enjoying musical performances by folklore groups, folk arts and crafts demonstrations and tastings of regional specialities. The Moravian-Silesian Region participated in this

event for the second time. The promotion was one of a number of outputs of a tourism marketing projecc t co-financed from the NUTS II MoravianSilesiaan Regional Operating Program entitled “A Region of Many Colours and Opportunities II”. The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the Moravian-Silesian Region with domestic and foreiggn tourists in close cooperation with partners from the individual tourism areas of northern Moravvia and Silesia. Thee Moravian-Silesian Region is divided into six attracc tive tourism areas (Opava Silesian, Ostrava, the Beskydy Mountains, the Jeseníky Mountains, Moravvian Kravaře – Odra River basin and Těšín Silesian); each of these territories has its own characteristic features and points of interest. In addition to beaautiful nature, the Beskydy Mountains offer a greaat number of folk architecture monuments. The landscape of the Moravian Kravaře – Odra River basin features many chateaus, castle ruins and three town monument reserves. The Ostrava area has itt s own unique and exceptional character resultingg from a tradition of underground black coal miningg. The area naturally contains numerous technical monuments. A picturesque territory at the Poolish border, the Těšín Silesian area is known

for rich folklore and unntouched nature. While it may be a narrow strip off land, the Opava Silesian area offers a broad palettte of monuments, the most popular of which are chatteaux, historical towns and preserved forts. Ruled byy the local good spirit of the mountains – Praděd – thhe Jeseníky Mountains are a favourite tourism desttination, not only for their wonderful nature sites, buut also thanks to the oldest narrow-gauge railway witth a steam train in Central Europe. The entire regionn also has a long history of the use of curative sprinngs and spas. All of these and many other attracttions are connected with excellent accommodatioon possibilities and good infrastructure. The Moravian-Silesian Region is also the site of important cultural, sporting and social events. The region is the venue for thee international multi-genre Colours of Ostrava festivval, which will be held this year July 9–12. The Jannáček Hukvaldy classical music festival runs from the end of June to the beginning of August. The reggion also hosts the annual “Golden Spike” track annd field meet; this year’s competition was held on June 17. The “3-D Model Orthoophoto Map of the Moravian-Silesian Region” alsso serves to promote the tourism potential of the entire region. The 3-D map Museum Kopřivnice

Ostrava_Brno.indd 92

Leaders Magazine IV/2009

17.7.2009 9:15:36

Štramberk

is an Internet application that enables movement in a virtual, three-dimensiional environment of the Moravian-Silesian Region. Detailed aerial photographs, model terrain and information layers combined in the 3-D map prroduce a highly realistic environment for learning and enjoyment. Viewers can discover hundreds of o kilometres of marked hiking paths, education traails, boating routes, bike trails and cross-country skiing trails. The map offers in-depth inspiration for all types of treks. The 3-D map also contains many aadditional layers depicting, for example, swimming pools, rope-climbing centres, castles, chateauxx and museums. Last but

Karlova Studánka

not least, you will certainly enjoy three-dimenssional images of the region’s architectural jewels. Thee map already offers dozens of structures, and many more will be added. Visit the Moravian-Silesian Reggion’s website at http://3d.kr-moravskoslezsky.cz too see for yourself. Beginning this year the Moravian-Silesian Region also presents itself on its website by means of virtual tours. The tours are produced using a sppecial type of photography that shows the entire spaace in a maximum visual angle – 360° horizontallyy and 180° vertically. Using the mouse the visitor can rotate the view in any direction and at any angle.

A total of thirty of these virtual tours are now available at www.kr-moravskoslezsky.cz in the Visitor section under Virtual Tours. These mainly offer tours of the castles and chateaux in our region, as well as the technical monuments, memorials and the homes of famous personalities from the MoravianSilesian Region. By Jaroslav Palas I President of the Moravian-Silesian Region

českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Čeladná Golf Club

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Ostrava_Brno.indd 93

17.7.2009 9:21:04

business award event The pharmaceutical company IVAX, IT giant IBM and the Czech biotechnology firm CPN are the top winners of the 2008 Investor of the Year awards, which were presented on 23rd June 2009 at the Troja Chateau in Prague. The engineering firms Strojcar and IMOPRA were named the best Czech suppliers. ČEZ took the prize for greatest contribution to the development of investments and Weston Stacey, long-time executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, received the Special Prize for Extraordinary Contribution to the Development of the Business Environment in the Czech Republic presented by the Association for Foreign Investment (AFI). The Investor of the Year awards ceremony was held under the auspices of the Minister of Industry and Trade Vladimír Tošovský. The partner of the event was ČSOB. The awards were presented by the Prime Minister Ing. Jan Fischer and the Ministers of Industry and Trade, Regional Development and Labour and Social Affairs.

2008 Investor of the Year Awards Announced Ing. Jan Fischer, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

LM_0904_events____4.indd 94

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

All the winners and present Members of the Czech Government

15.7.2009 20:20:55

From left: Vladimír Velebný, General Director, CPN, spol. s r.o., Vladimír Tošovský, Minister of Industry and Trade, Václav Jeništa, CEO, WITTE Nejdek, Marek Ditz, Executive Director for Special and Institutional Banking, ČSOB, Libor Kraus, Chairman of the Board, COMTES FHT and Oldřich Vojíř, Chairman of the Economy Committee, Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of CR

From left: Petr Šimerka, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and Aleš Bartůněk, General Director, IBM Česká republika, spol. s r.o., Most Significant Investor of the Year – Business Support Services 1st place Jana Vaňhová, Governor of Ústí Region and Milan Marek, Intelligence to Business

Jana Vaňhová, Governor of Ústí Region and Allan Praoline, Project Manager, EMEA Covidien

From left: Ing. Christos Tsanaklis, Pharmaceutical Operations Director, IVAX Pharmaceuticals s.r.o., Ing. Jan Fischer, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Ing. Eva Hrubá, MBA, Finance Director, IVAX Pharmaceuticals s.r.o., Tatsuo Nambu, Production Manager, Panasonic Automotive Systems Czech, s.r.o., and Zdeňka Tománková, HR and PR Director, Panasonic Automotive Systems Czech, s.r.o.

Investor of the Year awards are presented in seven categories: ● ● ●

●

Most Significant Investor of the Year – Manufacturing Industry Most Significant Investor of the Year – Business Support Services Most Significant Investor of the Year – Investment with the Greatest Innovation Potential Supplier of the Year awards: Contract of the Year, Technological Benefit of the Year Award for the Greatest Contribution to the Development of Investments in the Czech Republic AFI Special Prize for Extraordinary Contribution to the Development of the Business Environment in the Czech Republic

Mrs. Alexandra Rudišarová, General Director, CzechInvest and Martin Roman, CEO, ČEZ a.s., receiving an award in Category “Award for the Greatest Contribution to the Development of Investments in the Czech Republic”

LM_0904_events____4.indd 95

17.7.2009 9:25:21

From left: Oldřich Vojíř, Chairman of the Economy Committee, Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of CR and Libor Kraus, Chairman of the Board, COMTES FHT, receiving an award in Category “Most Significant Investor of the Year – Investment with the Greatest Innovation Potential” for the 3rd place of COMTES FHT a.s. (Dobřany, Plzeň)

Alexandra Rudišarová, General Director, CzechInvest and Pavel Juříček, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Brano Group, a.s.

From left: Robert Szurman, Commissioner, Ministry of Trade and Bc. Jan Urban, Deputy General Director, CzechInvest

From left: Weston Stacey, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic (AFI Special Prize for Extraordinary Contribution to the Development of the Business Environment in the Czech Republic) and Petr Hájek, Chairman of the Controlling Commission, AFI

From left: Rostislav Vondruška, Minister for Regional Development and Stanislav Hoffmann, CEO, STROJCAR s.r.o. (Opava), Supplier of the Year – Technological Benefit of the Year

Most Significant Investor of the Year – Manufacturing Industry 1st place: IVAX Pharmaceuticals s.r.o., a member of the Teva group (Opava) 2nd place: Panasonic Automotive Systems Czech, s.r.o. (Pardubice) 3rd place: VÍTKOVICE HAMMERING a.s. (Vítkovice, Ostrava) Most Significant Investor of the Year – Business Support Services 1st place: IBM Česká republika, spol. s r.o. (Prague) 2nd place: Monster Worldwide CZ s.r.o. (Brno) 3rd place: Covidien AG, organisational unit (Prague) Most Significant Investor of the Year – Investment with the Greatest Innovation Potential 1st place: CPN spol. s r.o. (Dolní Dobrouč, Ústí nad Orlicí) 2nd place: WITTE Nejdek, spol. s r.o. (Nejdek) 3rd place: COMTES FHT a.s. (Dobřany, Plzeň) Supplier of the Year – Contract of the Year IMOPRA s.r.o. (Nivnice, Uherský Brod) Supplier of the Year – Technological Benefit of the Year STROJCAR s.r.o. (Opava) Award for the Greatest Contribution to the Development of Investments in the Czech Republic ČEZ, a.s. (Prague) AFI Special Prize for Extraordinary Contribution to the Development of the Business Environment in the Czech Republic Weston Stacey, Executive Director, American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic

96 Ing. Vladimír Tošovský, Minister of Industry and Trade

LM_0904_events____4.indd 96

17.7.2009 9:30:00

BUSINESS NEWS J

DO YOU KNOW THAT… … Green Week 2009: Climate change – act and adapt The main themes of the Green Week 2009 conference taking place from 23 to 26 June in Brussels is climate change so as the new international climate agreement is due to be finalised at the Copenhagen conference in December. The biggest annual conference devoted to European environmental policy under the slogan ‘act and adapt’ will also examine the multi-faceted challenges of reducing EU and global greenhouse gas emissions and of adapting to the climate change. Eight of the sessions will also try to come up with a realistic vision of how a low-carbon world in 2050 would look. … Completing administrative procedures electronically The European Commission will co-finance nance a project driven by Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, taly, the Nethe Netherlands, and Poland which will help public administrations dministrations to impr improve online services especially for thee service sector. Each EU Member State will have established points of sin single contact where companies can complete administrative rativ procedures electronically by the end of 2009. More than ha € 14 million will be invested over three years into the pilot project, half of which will come from the EU’s Competitiveness and Innovation Programme. … Gas Coordination Group studies how to secure next winter season’s supplies European Commission has chaired a meeting of the Gas Coordination Group to assure ssure a stronger EU coordination and to secure energy supplies to all a European ropean citizens. ci The group after having listened to Gazprom om and Naftogaz Naf afto toga g Ukrainy representatives on their supply and transit ransit prospec ospects for the next winter has discussed the risks ks and possible measures in the short and medium term m to guarantee energy supplies to Europe. The Commission also urg urgedd both parties, Gazprom and Naftogaz, to reach a stable and nd longg-term arranggement to secure transit towards the EU andd emphasized e that all parties should fulfil their legal and contractual ntr obligations as far as transit to EU is concerned. … Shaping transport policy for the future European Commission reflection process, involving stakeholders and transport experts, identified 6 main trends t and challenges that will shape the future ure of transport ppolicy: aging, migration and internal mobility, environmental challenges, the availability of energy resources, urbanisation and globalisation. Concerning mentioned aims the future Euro European transport policy needs to focus on the pursuit of an integrate integrated, technologybased and user-friendly transport port sys system. European Commission also wants to stimulate further rther debate to identify concrete polilicy proposalls for f its i next Tran Transport Wh Whitite Paper schheddulledd for 2010. … EU and Canada start negotiations for economic and trade agreement EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton and Stockwell Day, Canadian Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, set in motion negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that could provide up to EUR 20 bn per year in additional benefits to the both economies. This agreement aims to create a maximum of new opportunities for economic growth in Europe and Canada. According to the joint scoping exercise both sides would benefit from a comprehensive agreement covering trade in goods and serv se rvic ices es,, in inve vest stme ment nt,, pu publ blic ic ppro rocu cure reme ment nt,, th thee pr prot otec ectition on aand nd enforcement of intellectual property rights, and commitments on the social and environmental aspects of trade and sustainable development. Commissioner Ashton and Minister Day agreed that the first full round of formal negotiations for the CETA, at senior official level, should take place in October. … EIB lending could reach EUR 70 bn in 2009 The European Investment Bank (EIB) intends to rise its total lending in the European Union and Pre-Accession countries up

to EURR 70 bn in 2009 200 as a response to strong demand for its funding fundin ingg in tthe he ccur current u rent economic and financial crises. Lending has strongly advanced advanceed three th keys areas defined in the European Economic mic Recovery Re Package to which the EIB has committed last December. ece Those are especially small and medium-sized enterprises pr i (SMEs), energy and mitigation of climate change, and investment in the poorer, ‘convergence’ regions of the EU. The EIB Group’s capacity to take on more risk has also been expanded through an extended range of risk-taking instruments forr th fo thee fifina nanc ncin ingg of SME SMEss an andd Mi MidC dCap apss, and and inc incre reas ased ed ava availilaability of equity and quasi equity finance in critical sectors. … European Commission initiates new strategy to tackle the employment impact of the crisis. The EU will make € 19 billion of planned European Social Fund expenditure available to support people hit by the economic crisis and will also frontload funds. Co-financing by Member States will not be necessary for 2009–2010. Together with the European Investment Bank Group and other partners, a new EU loans facility will be set up to provide micro-credits for those who would usually have difficulty accessing the necessary funds to set up a business or micro-enterprise. The ‘EEU Sh Shar ared ed Com Commi mitm tmen entt fo forr Em Empl ploy oyme ment nt’ al also so put putss fo forw rwar ardd key priorities and actions to preserve jobs. The objective is for all relevant actors from trade unions and employers’ organisations.

CZECH PRESIDENCY MEETINGS 11.–12.6.2009 Meeting of the BUSINESSEUROPE Council of Presidents, Prague Two-day Prague meeting finished with a call to Brussels politicians and European governments: You have to push through policies of freeing up the banking and inter-banking markets and create a more effective scrutiny over the banking sector, you have to be more flexible in aligning the European empl em ploy oyme ment nt mar marke kets ts, yo youu ha have ve to t o st stop op the t he ext exten ensi sion on of of protectionism, and, to the contrary, strive to free-up the world trade and when trying to provide solutions to problems of climactic changes one has to take into account the worsening state of European companies as a result of the present crisis. Simultaneously, Europe has to be much more supportive of education, research and innovation. 18.–19.6.2009 European Council, Brussels The Czech Presidency has brought success in the three key areas: institutional issues, finance and economy, and climate protection. The statesmen also agreed that thee m measures res to fight the economic crisis which the EU has already ready adopted a optted have turned out tto be effective and help minimise mise the impac im act of the crisis and should contribute to creating stability. st 25.–26. 6. 2009 High Level Reflection Panel on Entrepreneurship Education, Prague Third terr erritorial round table co-organised by the PRES and European ropean Co Commission for representativess of ministries of education and economy from CZ, SK, SL, HU, ed HU DE, AT and PL and social partners took place in Prague discussion i strategic approach to entrepreneurship education and possible ways of enhancing cross boarder and European cooperation.

EU construction production raised by 0.7% In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production increased by 0.6% in the euro area and by 0.7% in the EU27 in April 2009, compared with the previous month. In March, production rose by 0.6% and by 0.1% respectively. In monthly comparison among the Member States for which data are available for April 2009, the most significant increases in construction output were registered in the Czech Republic (+5.2%), Spain (+3.2%) and Sweden (+2.9%) and the largest decr de crea ease sess in SSlo love veni niaa (-12 12.1%) 1%), Ro Roma mani niaa (-66.1% 1%)) an andd Sl Slov ovak akia ia (-3.1%). In the annual comparison construction output rose in four and fell in eight. The highest increases were recorded in Germany (+6.1%), Sweden (+4.6%) and the Czech Republic (+3.3%) and the largest decreases in Slovenia (-22.8%), Romania (-13.7%) and Slovakia (-12.7%). EU annual inflation down to 0.7% Euro area annual inflation in May 2009 was 0.0% down from 0.6% in April. EU annual inflation in May 2009 was 0.7% down from 1.3% in April. The lowest annual rates were observed in Ireland (-1.7%), Portugal (-1.2%), Spain and Luxembourg (both -0.9%), and the highest in Romania (5.9%), Lithuania (4.9%) and Latv La tvia ia ((44.4% 4%)). CCom ompa pare redd wi with th AApr prilil 2200 0099, aann nnua uall in inflflat atio ionn fe fellll in twenty-four Member States, remained stable in one and rose in one. The lowest 12-month averages up to May 2009 were registered in Portugal (1.3%), Ireland (1.5%) and Germany many (1.8%), and the highest in Latvia (11.2%), Lithuania (9.3%) %) andd Bulgaria (8.3%). These figures are published by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities. Labour costs rose by 3.7% EU27 Total hourly labour costs in the euro area rose by 3.7% in nominal terms in the year up to the first quarter of 2009, compared with 4.0% for the previous quarter. In the EU27, the annual rise was 1.5% up to the first quarter of 2009, compared with 4.5% for the previous quarter. In the euro area, wages and salaries grew by 3.6% in the year up to th the first quarter of 2009, and non-wage costs ts by 4.5%. In the t EU27, wages & salaries rose by 1.1% and the he non-wage non-waage ccomponent by 3.1%. The breakdown by economic mic activi actitivi ac vity ty shows sh that in the euro area hourly labour costs rose at an an annual rate of 6.1% in industry, 3.6% in construction and 2.4% in services up to the first quarter of 2009. In the EU27, labour costs grew by 5.2% in industry and 2.8% in construction, ructi but fell by 0.5% in services. Euro area unemployment up to 9.2%, EU27 up to 8.6% The euro area seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 9.2% in April 2009 and 8.6% in the EU27. For the euro area this is the highest rate since September 1999 and for the EU27 since January 2006. Eurostat estimates that 20.825 million men andd women in thhe EU2 EU277, off whi hichh 14.579 579 milillilion were in thhe euro area, were unemployed in April 2009. Among the Member States, the lowest unemployment rates were recorded in the Netherlands (3.0%) and Austria (4.2%), and the highest rates in Spain (18.1%), Latvia (17.4%) and Lithuania (16.8%). In the USA the unemployment rate in April 2009 was 8.9%, in Japan it was 4.8% in March 2009. I

LET’S TALK NUMBERS… Euro area external trade surplus 2.7 bn euro 7.8 bn euro deficit for EU27 In April 2009, in comparison to March 2009, seasonally adju ad just sted ed exp expor orts ts in in th thee eu euro ro are areaa (E (EA1 A16) 6) fel felll by 1.3 1.3% % an andd imports fell by 2.7%. Extra EU27 seasonally adjusted exports fell in April 2009 by 1.5% compared with March 2009 and imports by 2.8%. Concerning the total trade of Member States, the largest surplus was observed in Germany (+27.4 bn euro in January–March 2009), followed by the Netherlands (+9.2 bn) and Ireland (+8.9 bn). The United Kingdom (-23.4 bn) registered the largest deficit, followed by France (-15.9 bn), Spain (-13.5 bn), Greece (-7.4 bn) and Italy (-4.4 bn).

Business News brought by CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU, www.cebre.cz

Amsterdam Athinai Berlin Bratislava Bruxelles Bucureşti Budapest Dublin Helsingfors Kobenhavn Lefkosia Lisboa Ljubljana London Luxembourg Madrid Paris Praha Rïga Roma Sofia Stockholm Tallinn Valletta Vilnius Warszawa Wien

EU_Matters.indd 97

15.7.2009 18:35:56

EU matters

Tomáš Pojar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU Commissioner responsible for External Relations and the European Neighbourhood Policy

On the occasion of the EU Eastern Partnership Summit, the Association for International Affairs in cooperation with its partners organised an international conference named “Eastern Partnership: Towards Civil Society Forum”. This official side event of the Czech EU presidency was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The main goal of this expert conference was to mediate dialogue between the EU member countries’ and Eastern Partnership countries‘ civil society representatives on the significance, contents and implementation of the initiative in practice, and formulate concrete recommendations for the dynamic development of this dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy. More than 160 distinguished guests – experts from the Eastern Partnership region as well as the European Union – took part in the conference.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Eastern Partnership Towards Civil Society Forum

EU_Matters.indd 98

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Conference

15.7.2009 18:36:32

Peter Semneby, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus

From left: Jiří Schneider, Program Director of the Prague Security Studies Institute and Oleksandr Sushko, Research Director at the Institute For Euro-Atlantic Co-operation

Michael Emerson, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies Marek Dąbrowski, Prof. of Economics and the President of the CASE – Center for Social and Economic Research and Mrs. Olga Shumylo, Director of International Centre for Policy Studies

Mrs. Liudmila Ulyshyna, Coordinator at the Human Rights House Foundation and Pavol Demeš, Director for Central and Eastern Europe of the German Marshall Fund of the United States

Karel Schwarzenberg, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

Mrs. Alice Savovová, Executive Director of the Association for International Affairs and Eugeniusz Smolar, Director of the Centre for International Relations

The event was opened by Karel Schwarzenberg, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The audience was also addressed by EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU Special Representatives Pierre Morel and Peter Semneby, Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Catherine von Heidenstam, Ambassador of Poland H.E. Jan Pastwa and others. The policy recommendations formulated by the conference workshops were distributed to the delegations of the official Eastern Partnership Summit in Prague on 7 May, 2009.

EU_Matters.indd 99

From left: H.E. Catherine von Heidenstam, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Czech Republic and H.E. Jan Pastwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Czech Republic

15.7.2009 18:36:54

EU matters

11–12 June 2009

From left: Ernest-Antoin Selliere, former President of BUSINESSEUROPE, Jaroslav Míl, President of SPCR and Jan Fischer, Czech Prime Minister

BUSINESSEUROPE Council of Presidents

100

EU_Matters.indd 100

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Council of Presidents meeting

15.7.2009 18:37:29

Mrs. Eva Urbanová, world famous Czech Singer

Jaroslav Míl, President of SPCR

Ernest-Antoin Selliere, former President of BUSINESSEUROPE

Jürgen Thumann, new President of BUSINESSEUROPE

Council of Presidents of BUSINESSEUROPE met in Prague in mid June 2009 discussing the most important issues of relevance for European industry concluding with a number of kind requests addressed to the President of the European Council Czech Prime Minister Jan Fišer to bear in mind when moderating the discussion of the heads of states and governments. The main requests are: 1. Policy response to the economic crisis should address both, short-term and long-term challenges and prevent any protectionalist behaviour; 2. Member States should reflect the conclusions of May Employment Summit and in order to tackle increasing unemployment enhance behavior approach; 3. European industry has committed to ambitious greenhouse reduction targets by 2020, noting this is the real affordable maximum to remain competitive. Nonetheless 100% free allocation of emission allowances to exposed sectors has to be maintained; 4. Solutions to achieve economic, social and environmental goals have to be sustainable.

From left: Jürgen Thumann, new President of BUSINESSEUROPE, Philippe de Buck, Director General of BUSINESSEUROPE, Ernest-Antoin Selliere, former President of BUSINESSEUROPE, Jaroslav Míl, President of SPCR and Thomas Leysen, President of FEB/VBO (Belgium)

EU_Matters.indd 101

101

15.7.2009 18:38:01

An interview with Philippe de Buck, Director General off BUSINESSEUROPE BUSSINESS

BUSINESSEUROPE PRESENTATION OF ORGANIZATION Dear Mr. de BUCK, could you please describe shortly the organization you are directing to our readers? BUSINESSEUROPE is the leading eading Europ European business organisation. With our 40 member mem federations, we represent large, rge, medium mediu and small enterprises across alll sectors oof activity in 34 European countries. ries. We work together toge to achi ac hiev evee gr grow owth th aand nd com compe competitiveness petititt ness in Eu Euro E rope pe;; actively promote the role of enterprises enter in Europe and advocate a competitive ve business environment. We are a recognised e social partner in the European social dialogue. When we speak after a long internal debate and sometimes very complex discussions we are able to speak on behalf

of more than 20 million European companies. And that is very important role of BUSINESSEUROPE to bring the business messages at the European level. More concretely, we make clear the views of European companies, suggest improvements, we take part and make our voice heard at hearings, provide facts and figures, we take part in the social dial di alog ogue ue. Bu Butt, equ equal ally ly iimp mpor orta tant nt we we al also so fee feedd ba back ck EU information to our members, organize events, meetings of working groups, publish brochures and other publications, and contact the media to make the views of European business known. You also have a Czech member of BUSINESSEUROPE. What is your experience with the Photos: Archive

102

EU_Matters.indd 102

Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic? Of course we have a Czech member! And the Confederation of Industry is excellent for the simple reason that the president Jaroslav Mil and his colleagues are very active. For example Vladimira Drbalova, she is a vice president of our social affairs committee which is one of the major committees te es. It is is im impo port rtan antt to hav havee go good od rel relat atio ions nshi hipp wi with th our Czech member, because Czech economy is doing almost well, recently in the past. I think that the experience what the new members from 2004 can bring is very positive. Most of national as well as European news are full of global economic crisis. What is BUSINESSEUROPE’s position on it? We believe that companies are the solution to get out of the crisis. As with all crises, this one will eventually end. In the meantime, we entrepreneurs are not only doing our best to survive and keep workers in employment. Faced with the growing concern of its member federations, BUSINESSEUROPE has, in January 2009, set up a taskforcee of leading experts ex from small and large companies, ies, commercial commerc banks and think tanks to discuss current urrent finan financing difficulties and ways of alleviating ng them. Under Und the chairmanship of Jean-Paul Paul Betbèze, the taskforce has worked intensively sively to issue a list of 16 key recommendations able to restore estor access to finance and conf co nfid iden ence ce. Ba Base sedd onn th the hese se 16 16 re reco comm mmen enda datition onss, BUSINESSEUROPE is i advocating a four-pillar strategy: 1. Companies’ access to finance must be improved; 2. We must resist all forms of protectionism; 3. Member states must support growth and jobs with stimulus measures; 4. The implementation of structural reforms must be accelerated. Speaking in general terms, what is the business perception of the Czech Presidency so far? Are the Czechs capable of delivering results? The Czech Presidency just finished so I think it is too early to give deep analytical assessment on its results. Any EU Presidency has a great number of questions to focus on, so this is always a very complex task and business issues are only part of it. I do not think it is up to – or only to – the business community to judge if an EU Presidency could deliver or not, could achieve its goal or not. Nonetheless I can say that Czech presidency played its role from the very beginning, starting

15.7.2009 18:38:31

with the gas crisis and Gaza issue. Short after the economic crisis fully hit the EU. The Czech presidency has taken a lot of initiatives to bring people together for a lot of conferences on different topics. It is also important to notice that during the Czech Presidency new European parliament was elected and a new Commission will be appointed. I find that it a pity to change a government during the Presidency. But it has happened. Unfortunately it creates image of the country and at the moment we need stability and vision and continuity in all the efforts. Please, let me be more practical for a moment: what are the most important topics you are dealing with at the moment? We released our manifesto for the June European Parliament elections which sums up the challenges which we think will be the most st important oones in the next 5 years: Economic challenges: ■ getting out of the crisis risis ■ restoring i access to credi dit ■ continuing structural reforms rms ■ improving competitiveness ss ■ developing the single market ■ fighting protectionism ■ shaping globalisation.

Social challenges: ■ modernising social protection ■ promoting participation in labour markets ■ ensuring the availability of skills. Environmental mental challen challenges: ■ usingg technology to protect the environment ■ ensurin uring access acces to energy ■ negotiating a global agreement on climate change. ch BUSINESSEUROPE is also quite active in SME policy. Do you think the attitude towards SMEs is changing? Do initiatives such Small Business Act for Europe benefit SMEs? BUSINESSEUROPE welcomed the Small Business Actt (SB (SBA) A) for f Europe E as itit focuses on allll SME SMEs, not only small companies. We think that the SBA reinvigorated the “think-small-first” principle and gave a renewed and strong impetus to the development of integrated policies in favour of SMEs, and to the implementation of coherent reforms for sustainable growth. We would like the SBA to triggerr a nu ge numb mber er of of ne new w me meas asur ures es and and act actio ions ns,, in incl cluu ding targeted legislative ones. During the Brussels SME Week organised a special event in Brussels for 7 May to assess, what were the benefits for the small and medium size enterprises of the eastward enlargement of the EU five years ago.

Let me ask you a final question: what would you advice to (not only Czech) government regarding the accession of euro-zone? In these times of high financial stress the euro is clearly acting as shield. Non-euro area countriess are enjoying some of the benefits of the euro already, but there is no doubt that a strong commitment to joining monetary union would help consolidate these benefits and would help alleviate the immediate effects of the crisis. By the way, apart from the opt-out of the UK and Denmark, all noneuro area member states are bound to join the euro. The question is when and how. It is legitimate to consider euro area enlargement me nt as as a re resp spon onse se to to th thee cr cris isis is but but cou count ntriries es mus mustt have some degree of preparedness to join the euro. The Maastricht criteria cannot be discarded altogether, and prospective members must show a strong commitment to conduct reform. This said we are in exceptional circumstances and this must be considered as well. By Michal Kadera I CEBRE – Czech Business Representation

českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.czz

EU_Matters.indd 103

103

15.7.2009 18:38:52

“BLUE CARD” SEEKS TO ATTRACT QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO THE EU

12 % OF CZECH HOUSEHOLDS CAN’T AFFORD A CAR OR A COMPUTER

COURT: EU CITIZENS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUPPORT IN OTHER COUNTRIES

The Council of Ministers ers approved the proposal propo for the establishment of the so-called -calle “Blue Card”, which will make it easier for highly qualified immigrants from non-EU countries nt to get work and a residency permit in the EU. At the same time, the ministers have tightened up sanctions against businesses employing unqualified illegal immigrants. The EU member states have to implement both of these measures within two years. “The influx of highly qualified people into Europe will enhance the EU’s competitiveness. veness. With today’s adoption of the EU Blue Card ard we send a clear signal that, irrespective of economic onomic ups and downs, such migrants are always ways welcome in the EU,” said Jacques Barrot, the he EU Commissioner for fo Internal Affairs and Justice. Businesses ses will wil be the ones that will be able to applly for f thi this doc document, t whi hichh will ill be b equival i lentt to the US Green Card. Ca The applicant must prove that the given foreign worker is highly qualified and will receive a salary that exceeds the average for the given EU country. Should a company violate these rules by employing unqualified ed illegal ill immigrants, mmig it will be facing various typess of sanction sanctions, n such as a fine (the size of which willll depend on the number of “illegals” employed),), the loss of o government incentives or a five-year ve-year ban on par participation in public tenders and access ss to public funding. fund According to the Commission’s ’s data, da qualified workers from fr om tthi hird rd ccou ount ntriries es m mak ake kee up u oonl nlyy 1.7 7 % of tthe he EEU’ U’ss workforce, while in the US, qualified immigrants make up 3.2 % of the country’s workforce. In Canada da and Australia, this number is even higher – 7.3 % and 9.9 % respectively. The EU however has a greater number of illegal immigrants, with the estimates ranging from 4.5 to 8 million.

One-out-of-every-eight Czech households lack the money to buy either a car or a computer. This is according to 2007 data from the European Statistical Office, Eurostat. This makes the Czech Republic worse than the averagge in the EU, where only one-out-of-every-eleven families (9 %) face similar problems. On the other hand, the Czech Republic ranked better than its neighbor Slovakia, where one-in-every-four families can’t afford to purchase this modern technology. It was also the third worst ranking in the EU. The worst situation is in Romania, where 56 % – i.e. a majority of families – can’t afford to buy a car. Four-fifths of the population of the EU are living in households which own a car; and, another roughly 11 percent of EU households don’t own a car, but nott because th they can’t’t aff ffordd one. Th T he Eurost E t att poll also shows that 3 % of all Europeans live in households that can’t afford to make their mortgage or rent payments. Up to seven percent of all Europeans were unable to pay their utility bills in 2007 and roughly a third of the total population of the twenty-seven EU member states, which represents a collective population of more than half a billion people, can’t afford to have any unexpected expenditures. The worst situation tuation here was seen en in Hungary and Latvia, where nearly two-thirds wo-thirds oof the population (63 %) would find it difficult fic icul u too ccov over er aany ny uune nexp xpec ecte tedd expenditures. expp ex .

If an EU citizen is looking for work in a country in which he or she has previously worked, the person may be eligible for financial support. This however doesn’t apply to social benefits that the member states have the righ g t to deny. This is how the European Court of Justice ruled at the request of German authorities, which were being asked to provide assistance to two Greek citizens who were looking king for work in Bavaria. According to the Court, t the the h eligibility for such assistance should be determined by whether or not the applicant has developed an attachment to the labor market in the given EU country. The definition of such an attachment and the amount of support to be provided would however depend on the authorities in the given member state. A court in Germany had previously ruled that the Greekk s did did nott qualiliff y for f r any add additiona ddititiionall as siistance t because they had only worked in the th country for a short period of time and, d, in the case of one of them, the employment didn’t’t generate enough e income to support the person. son. The EU court asked as the German judges to review ew their verdict because becaus one couldn’t exclude the possibilityy that both Greek citizens had worked “effectively”, which wh means that they could qualify for the status of o having been a worker with all of the associated rights.

The Disadvantage of Being Late to the Party Blue Card is just the beginning. And, if the EU ends its efforts with the introduction of this card, this promising project will not yield much of anything. This is because available information on the employment of educated immigrants shows that other parts of the world acted faster in going after this valuable source of quality labor and innovative thought. The EU has come to the party too late, which means that it will have to try even harder to succeed in competing with the US, Australia and, increasingly more often, also with China and India.

104

EU_Matters.indd 104

An Early Warning Sign One ca can survive without a carr and nd without a computer. compute But, much more serious ous is the fact tthat, even before the current ccrisis, a high percentage of households in certain EU countries were finding it difficult to afford unexpected and unplanned for expenditures. The data shows these problems were concentrated in countries whose people are facing the greatest difficulties in dealing with the current global recession and which are avoiding bankruptcy only thanks to international assistance. Such statistics can therefore serve as a warning sign about the existing or potential locations of serious social problems and possible social unrest.

Setting Limits Thee ve Th verd rdic ictt of the t he EU EU co cour urtt fo forc rces es nat natio iona nall authorities to come up with new and more precise definitions on the status of foreigners who have worked in their country, even if only for a short period of time. The focus of interest will be the worker’s “attachment” to the labor market. We can expect that every member state will be coming up with different criteria, which will then become subject to controversy. This will allow the European Court of Justice to gradually harmonize the regulations governing the status of citizens from other parts of the EU and their eligibility for financial assistance when lookingg for a jo j b.

europlatform

15.7.2009 18:39:09

Informal agriculture and fishery council was held in Brno/South Moravian Region from May 31st to June 2nd. Twenty European agriculture ministers discussed future direct payments scheme and expressed their views on what in general the Common Agriculture Policy after 2013 should look like, but they also found their way to the Macocha Abyss, to the Punkva Caves, Lysice Castle or to the Černá Hora Brewery, and enjoyed a gala dinner at the Wannieck Gallery in Brno.

EU matters

From left: Neil Parish, Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee in the European Parliament, Michel Barnier, French Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mrs. Mariann Fischer Boel, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and Jakub Šebesta, Czech Minister of Agriculture

INFORMAL MEETING

of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries

Upcoming Swedish presidency was represented by the Swedish Minister of Agriculture, Eskil Erlandsson (right), who was greeted by Jakub Šebesta, Czech Minister of Agriculture (left)

Round Table

Mrs. Mariann Fischer Boel, Jakub Šebesta, Michal Hašek, Governor of the South Moravian Region and Roman Onderka, Mayor of the Statutory City of Brno

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Mrs. Mariann Fischer Boel, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and Jakub Šebesta, Czech Minister of Agriculture

EU_Matters.indd 105

At the Macocha Abyss bottom some plum brandy came in useful. From right: Mrs. Mariann Fischer Boel, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michal Hašek, Governor of the South Moravian Region, Ivo Hlaváč, 1st Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mrs. Gerda Verburg, The Netherlands Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and Mrs. Sirkka-Liisa Anttila, Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

16.7.2009 14:16:03

EU matters

From left: Štefan Füle, Minister for European Affairs and Alexandr Vondra, former Minister for European Affairs and delegation from the Swedish Embassy in Prague

PRESIDENCY INFORMALLY HANDED OVER TO SWEDEN Prague’s historic Charles Bridge witnessed a symbolic handover of the Czech EU Presidency to Sweden on Saturday, 20. 6. 2009. As part of United Islands Festival officials passed a symbolic keg of Czech beer from one boat to another.

From left: Truls Borgström, 1st Secretary, Swedish Embassy in Prague, Rolf Ericsson, Chargé d’affaires, Swedish Embassy in Prague, Alexandr Vondra, former Minister for European Affairs and Štefan Füle, Minister for European Affairs

From left: Štefan Füle, Minister for European Affairs and Alexandr Vondra, former Minister for European Affairs

EU_Matters.indd 106

From left: Štefan Füle, Minister for European Affairs and Alexandr Vondra, former Minister for European Affairs

Handing over the symbolic beer keg

Source www.eu2009.cz 15.7.2009 18:41:58

CZECH PRESIDENCY’S

FINAL THANKS On 1 July 2009, the Czech Presidency of the EU Council passed the relay baton to the Kingdom of Sweden, and so it is now time to say a word of thanks to the whole Presidency team.

Ing. Jan Fischer, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Photo: Karel Pazderka

JAN FISCHER, PRIME MINISTER OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL The Czech Presidency ncy of the EU Council was one of the foremost oremost priorities prioritie of my government from the very first day of its term of office. We managed to maintain continuity andd focus on tthhe aggree reedd Presid idency aggenda, d which was confirmed by the success of the European Council meeting on 18 and 19 9 June Jun in Brussels. Here, once again and symbolically for the last time, the Czech Presidency succeeded in reaching agreement between the EU Member States on all the items on the agenda: the institutional reform and Irish guarantees, financial and social issues, progress in the work ahead of the Copenhagen conf co nfer eren ence ce oonn th thee fifigh ghtt ag agai ains nstt cl clim imat atee change as well as political support for the candidacy of José Manuel Barroso running for re-election as President of the European Commission. Naturally, the success of the Czech Presidency is built out of the achievements

reached by the ministries. Thus the expertise of tthe he m mem embe bers rs ooff my ggov over ernm nmen entt pr prov oved ed aann advantage in debates at EU ministerial meetings. I would like to stress that we managed to round off the Presidency efficiently also, and not the least, thanks to the solid support we received – not only from the European Commission and its President José Manuel Barroso, but also from all my European counterp te rpar arts ts. Th Thee EU Hea Heads ds of of St Stat atee or Gov Gover ernnment expressed their support already during the preparatory talks ahead of the European Council meeting – either personally or over the phone – and the summit itself was an irrefutable proof of their willingness to work together with the Czech Presidency. I am happy that we have convinced out European partners that the success of the Presidency is a success for all; that the strength t th off th the Presid idency does d nott dependd on the size of the country but on the ability to negotiate and moderate the debate in the interest of the European Union as a whole. As a statistician, European and “outgoing” President of the European Council, I would estimate the rate of success of the Czech Presidency at 100% with a deviation ev of +/- 5 %.

A MESSAGE FROM BRUSSELS, H.E. MILENA VICENOVÁ, AMBASSADOR TO THE EU On bbehalf h of my colleagues at the Permanent Representation of the Czech C Republic in Brussels, I would like to thank all those who worked with us during the Presidency. Over the past six months, as a team, we strived to achieve tangible results for Czech people, the Czech Republic and the European Union. The Euro Eu rope pean an Uni Union on is is an unp unpre rece cede dent nted ed exp exper eriiment which gave Europe and its citizens peace and prosperity. I don’t know what the future holds for the European Union; what it will look like in fifty years or in a century. The important thing is that it should be built on cooperation among citizens, nations and governments,

H.E. Milena Vicenová, Ambassador to the EU Photo: Mr. Matula

and that it should continue ontinue to uphold democratic values. The Czechh Presidency helped helpe bring down many a barrier hampering mper cooperation. This is what the Czech ch Republic deserves its Presidency to be remembered e for. We have scored points in one area at least. Judging by newspaper headlines both in the Czech Republic and abroad, Czech civil servants keep up with the times and the performance of the Czech public administration is world-class. This is not a small achievement. A modern country can only be run by competent and flexible administration. It is clear that the word “bureaucracy” need not always be pejorative. Besides, from the viewpoint of the country holding the Presidency, the European Union opens up a number of opportunities to influence its functioning in favour of Czech citizens and entrepreneurs. The Czech Republic, its people, businesses and administration are now best placed to make use of these opportunities.

Source www.eu2009.cz I

EU_Matters.indd 107

107

15.7.2009 18:42:29

summer party in the garden of German Embassy

H.E. Helmut Elfenkämper, Ambassador of Germany

DEUTSCH-TSCHECHISCHE INDUSTRIE – UND HANDELSKAMMER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PRAGUE LEADERS MAGAZINE On June 25th the annual summer party of the Czech-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (ČNOPK) was held in the garden of the German Embassy in Prague. Among the 700 guests there were members from the top management of German run companies and of the German diplomatic corps in the Czech Republic. The guests enjoyed a warm and welcoming atmosphere with an exclusive buffet and artistic performances by popular artists like The Party Band, CARISMA música latina and TRADICIÓN dancing group. Latin rhythms and exotic performances including salsa, rumba and pachangu created an unforgettable evening.

German–Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce

108

LM_0904_events__2.indd 108

From left: Mrs. Eva Elfenkämper, wife of the German Ambassador, Mrs. Kateřina Šimková, Ing. Radomír Šimek, CFO Siemens s.r.o., President of ČNOPK, Mrs. Claudia Bauer-Grass and Bernard Bauer, Executive Director of the Board ČNOPK

15.7.2009 19:34:30

From left: Ing. Ivan Brož, Auditor and Manager, VORLÍČKOVÁ & LEITNER Audit s.r.o., Ing. Jaroslav Dubský, Partner, VORLÍČKOVÁ & LEITNER Audit s.r.o., Peter Pschorr, Partner, VORLÍČKOVÁ & LEITNER Audit s.r.o., Ing. Hana Pavlištová, Executive Director ČIA, Vice-president of ČNOPK and Dr. Vladimír Koller, Director OÖBV Privat Bank, Prague

From left: Robert Schindler, Dipl.-Ing., Dipl.-Oec., Chief Executive Officer, Junker Industrial Equipment s.r.o.and his wife From left: Ms. Bretta Krug, Dr. Henning Sommermeyer, General Manager, Nycomed s.r.o. and Jörg Oldorf, CEO, TÜV SÜD Czech s.r.o.

From left: Günter Steiner, Martin Herrmann, Chairman, RWE Transgas a.s., H.E. Helmut Elfenkämper, Ambassador of Germany, Stefan Gallon, Minister, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

Dr. Nikolaus Seiwald, Commercial Counsellor, Austrian Embassy, Commercial Section and his wife Ursula

Ing. Vladimír Vurm, CSc. former President of ČNOPK

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

LM_0904_events__2.indd 109

109 Tradición Dancing Group

16.7.2009 14:38:34

From left: Mrs. Hannelore Mahler, Roland Mahler, Managing Director, T-Mobile Czech Republic a.s., Mrs. Eva Elfenkämper, wife of the German Ambassador and Günter Steiner

From left: Dr. Michael Hohl, Mayor of Bayreuth, Klaus Peter Söllner, County Council, District of Kulmbach and Dr. Reinhard From left: Ing. Zdena Pojezdná, Chief Clerk, Riessner Gase s.r.o., Dr. Rer. Nat. Thilo Riessner, Dipl. Phys., Riessner-Gase GmbH & Co. KG and Luděk Pitra, Senior Advisor, Base Technologies GmbH

Peter Vasilopoulos, President, Alfons Köster & Co. GmbH and Ing. Dita Chrastilová, FCCA, Managing Director, Partner, Schulmeister

From left: Dipl.-Ing. Ulrich Palenicek, OPM Marketing GmbH, Mgr. Helena Sequensová, Staff Manager, Mediterra, s.r.o. and MUDr. Richard Sequens Ph.D.

Ing. Josef Ruml, Managing Director, Amann s.r.o. and his wife

From left: Arthur Braun, M.A., Advocate, Partner, bpv Braun Haškovcová, Manfred Merdan, Merdan GmbH, Peter Höllbacher, President, CTC International and Dipl.-Kfm. Norbert Manzke, Conpartis GmbH

Ing. Michala Vosková, Marketing and Sales Executive, Leaders Magazine and the painter Nanna Klein, Konzeption, DS Marketing and PR GmbH and Stephan Klein, DS Marketing

From left: Ms. Eva Arvai, Joachim Sauter, MBA, DMS, Managing Director, Sauter Consulting Group and Carl Holger, Head of Corporate Development, Strategy, M&A, RWE Transgas, a.s.

LM_0904_events__2.indd 110

From left: Bernard Boidin, Economic and Trade Counsellor, French Embassy in the Czech Republic, Dr. Stefan Keil, Counsellor, Head of the Economic Department, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and wife of Bernard Boidin

15.7.2009 19:35:39

Czechoslovak Foreign Institute

Supports the Education of our Countrymen The ﬁrst chance to use a modern computer classroom supplied with notebooks has been given to some 400 pupils of the Czech school in Vienna during the past school year. New high-quality coomputer equipment has also been provided to the Czech school in Daruvar in Croatia. All this is the result of a continuiing cooperation between the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute, the Union of the Czechs in the Republic of Croatia and thee Komenský School Association in Vienna. “The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute succeeded in presenting a new impulse to its cooperation with our countrymen within the last ten years and in finding the necessary financial means for it,” the Chairman of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute, Mr. Jaromír Šlápota says. “Institutions and countrymen promoting Czech language, culture and the good name of the Czech Republic abroad can count on the cooperation of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute if they show interest in it,“ he adds. Applying this idea, the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute supplied 14 classrooms in countrymen schools with computers and tools for drawing courses; it also reconstructed and equipped a gym in the Komenský school in Vienna. It sends books, language journals and learning programmes regularly to the Czech departments at the universities in Saint Petersburg, Kiev and Lvov, the students of which as well as the pupils of the schools in Vienna and Daruvar are awarded scholarships for courses of Czech language, combined with a sight-seeing and cultural programme in the Czech Republic organised annually in July in Prague. The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute also sent DVD and CD recorders to the T. G. Masaryk club in Bulgaria, Czech textbooks and CDs to the Sokol club in Australia and financial support for publishing the journal “Čechoaustralan“ there. The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute cooperates with the countrymen associations in Belgium, Slovakia and the Ukraine, it established new contacts with countrymen The computer classroom in the Czech school in Daruvar

in Syria and its cooperation with the Society of Arts and Sciences in Washington turns out important as well. “Cooperation with our countrymen is effective particularly when it is permanent and systemattic,” the leading members of the Czechoslovak Foreeign Institute emphasize. The Czechoslovak Foreignn Institute is an independent civic association based on the principle of racial, religious, national and political tolerance. It sets its goal to maintain national awareness and solidarity of countrym men with their homeland by means of cultural and educational projects. The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute, dependding on financial feasibility, sends annually technical equipment, textbooks, books and other toolss to the Czech countrymen schools abroad, so thatt all the classrooms entered by children of our couuntrymen are supplied with computers, video techhnology and special tools for drawing courses and adequate learning programmes. “We made it possible for the teachers to use the same wayy of teaching in all classes and children can folllow the teacher’s explanation on visual projectioon,“ Mr. Jaromír Šlápota says. For many of our countrymen it has becoome a matter of course to visit the seat of the C zechoslovak Foreign Institute in Karmelitská strreet when coming to Prague, to share their own troubbles and to try to find solutions together. There, they can find basic information about current eveents

Opening of a computer classroom in the Czech school in Vienna From left: Ing. Jiří Rudolf, Member of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Board, H.E. RNDr. Jan Koukal, Czech Ambassador in Austria and Ing. Karl Hanzl, Chairman of the Komenský School Association

in the Czech Republic and they can get contacts to many institutions because the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute has today as its members also senators, MPs, employees of ministries, authorities, and personalities from all social spheres. The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute was instigated by T. G. Masaryk and established by a plenary assembly on 20 December 1928 in Brožík’s Hall in the Old Town Hall. It has resolved in its regulations “to concentrate on and to keep record of countrymen abroad, to inspire and to support their national, cultural and economic contacts with their homeland and to work for their national, economic and cultural enhancement“. The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute continues in its mission. Today it cooperates with many associations abroad, through which more than a million descendants of countrymen, who left Bohemia, Moravia or Slovakia for different reasons in the past, can find contacts with their old homeland. Projects to improve the education of the children of these countrymen represent the most significant part of the cooperation of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute with these associations. By HEBR I českou verzi naleznete na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine IV/ V 2009

Interviews.indd 111

111

16.7.2009 8:46:35

prague castle event

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Karel Růžička and his band

Jazz at the Castle with Karel Růžička Septet

112

LM_0904_events_1.indd 112

From left: Karel Vágner, Josef Landa, Chairman of the Board and General Director, Inpol, Mrs. Eva Landová, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Ms. Eva Emingerová, Jazz Singer, Josef Vejvoda, Music Publishers and Rudolf Vojkůvka with his wife Janka

15.7.2009 18:53:45

From left: Mgr. Martha Gellová, Secretary General, AFIZ, o.s., Pavel Číčel, Commercial Representative, ZFP Akademie and Dr. Karla Říhová, Director of Strategy and Management of Public Health, Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic

Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and H.E. Catherine von Heidenstam, Ambassador of Sweden

Mrs. Anna Kocurková and Jiří Oberfalzer, Senator, Parliament of the Czech Republic

From left: Ms. Dagmar Raupachová, Advocate, Černý-Raupachová, Jan Černý, Advocate, ČernýRaupachová and Mrs. Libuše Benešová, Office of the President of the Czech Republic

Ms. Alena Veliká, Press Department of the Office of the President of the Czech Republic and Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine

The Bassist Pavel Sedláček and his wife

From left: Ing. František Kulovaný, General Director of Baest, a.s. and Jan Šlais with his wife

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

LM_0904_events_1.indd 113

From left: Dr. Peter Bundalo, Owner and CEO of Prometheus, Ms. Maja Markunovic and Stefan Gallon, Minister, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Prague with his wife

15.7.2009 18:54:20

culture event IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

The last concert of the Prague Symphony Orchestra in 2008/09 season was held on the 22nd/23rd of April in the Smetana Hall of the Municipal House. The pianist Jitka Čechová, soloist of the concert, was playing Piano Concerto by Clara Schumann under the direction of world famous conductor Zdeněk Mácal.

The End of the Concert Season of the PSO

Zdeněk Mácal, Conductor

Mrs. Chikako Aso, wife of the Premiere of Japan, Ilja Šmíd, Director, Prague Symphony Orchestra and Mrs. Atsuko Harada, wife of the Ambassador of Japan in the Czech Republic

The Band of the Castle Guards and Police of the Czech Republic, the guest of the Prague Symphony Orchestra at the concert for children on the 25th of April

114

LM_0904_events___3.indd 114

15.7.2009 19:49:01

Birmingham

Manchester

Hull

London

Newbury

The Prague Symphony Orchestra spent 3 weeks in May on tour across the Great Britain and Ireland. They played 17 concerts in 14 cities with soloists Freddy Kempf, Nikolai Demidenko (piano) and Nina Kotova (cello) under the conductors Libor Pešek and Petr Altrichter.

Carliste

Freddy Kempf, Cardiff Dublin

LM_0904_events___3.indd 115

Photos: Dagmar Kneřová Aberdeen

15.7.2009 19:49:32

culture event

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Rusalka Opening 13th May, 2009

116

LM_0904_events___3.indd 116

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Mrs. Dagmar Pecková and Jiří Heřman, Head of the Opera, National Theatre, Director of the Rusalka Opera

Dvořák’s Rusalka is a true jewel of Czech opera, loved by spectators all over the world. It bears in itself a profound message about the basic arrangement of powers, energies and passions in the human world encrypted in fairy-tale imagery. The production was conducted by an outstanding young Czech conductor Jakub Hruša, the director was the Artistic Director of the Opera Jiří Heřman and Dagmar Pecková alternates with Jolana Fogašová in the role of the Witch and Foreign Princess.

Mrs. Dagmar Burešová as Rusalka and Aleš Briscein as Prince

15.7.2009 19:50:07

From left: Mrs. Soňa Červená, Opera Singer and Dominika Kolowrat-Krakovská, Benefactress of National Theater

Mrs. Helena Třeštíková, Film Director

Mrs. Lívia Klausová, wife of President, with her granddaughter

Aleš Briscein with wife

Aleš Briscein and Mrs. Dagmar Pecková as Foreign Princess

From performance

117

LM_0904_events___3.indd 117

17.7.2009 10:06:57

The National Theatre welcomed the well-known dancers, twin brothers Jiří and Otto Bubeníček. In a special programme for Prague, Bubeníček and Friends both brothers performed together with outstanding soloists from European ballet companies.

culture event

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE Petr Zuska, Artistic Director, National Theatre Ballet thanked both brothers for the brilliant performance

Opening 15th and 16th May, 2009

Bubeníček and Friends The Cry

Phenomenal twins Otto and Jiří Bubeníčkovi

From left: Mrs. Nina Divíšková and Mrs. Taťána Medvecká

Opening 19th May, 2009 The National Theatre presented the Czech premiere of the play by Lenka Lagronová, The Cry (Pláč).

In the story of two sisters who meet after a long time in the house where they had grown up, the main theme is love and pain presented to the spectators by the means of the reminiscences of the play’s characters. Director: Jan Kačer Appearing: Taťána Medvecká, Jana Boušková, Eva Salzmannová and Nina Divíšková.

118

LM_0904_events___3.indd 118

From left: Mrs. Jana Boušková and Taťána Medvecká

Mrs. Eva Salzmannová

15.7.2009 19:51:15

The new play by Tracy Letts, the Pulitzer Prize winner, was premiered in the National N i l Theatre on the 5th June. An empty house in the American Mid West where three daughters come after the disappearance of their father becomes the scene of a drama spiced up with a fair amount of sarcastic humour. The play is directed by the Artistic Director of the Drama Division of the National Theatre, Michal Dočekal, appearing are Jan Kačer, Kateřina Burianová, Miluše Šplechtová, David Prachař, Jana Preissová and others.

culture event From performance

August: Osage County Opening 5th June, 2009

From left: Mrs. Lívia Klausová, wife of President of the Czech Republic, Jan Fischer, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic with his wife and PhDr. Ondřej Černý, General Director, National Theatre

The leading actress Kateřina Buriánová after her outstanding performance on the Premiere of the play August Osage County

LM_0904_events___3.indd 119

From left: Mrs. Sabina Králová, Miluše Šplechtová and Jaromíra Mílová

From left: Mrs. Lívia Klausová, wife of the President of the Czech Republic, Václav Riedelbauch, Minister of Culture with his family and Jan Fischer, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

15.7.2009 19:51:59

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

culture event

Piano Recital in the MIRO Gallery Prague and After Party in the Hotel Crowne Plaza Prague Castle

From left: PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Owner of the MIRO Gallery, Katie Mahan, Pianist and Prof. Dr. Manfred Boese, Notary, Lawyer and Chairman of the Board, Berliner Salon e.V. Germany

KATIE MAHAN (USA) more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Ing. Karel Machytka, Chairman of the Management Board, Česká spořitelna, a.s. with his wife

From left: Prof. Dr. Manfred Boese, Notary, Lawyer and Chairman of the Board, Berliner Salon e.V. Germany, Peer Gröning, Consultant, Peter Van den Brock, ExChairman of the Board, Pax-Bank, Germany and Ludwig Wertenbruch, Artist

From left: Ing. Miroslav Greger, Ex-Minister of the Czech Government and Prof. Zdeněk Jičínský, Member of the Czech Parliament From left: Miro Voštiar, Owner of hotels Aria and Zlatá Studna, Owner of Mirofilm, PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Owner of the MIRO Gallery and Dr. Robert Neugröschel, General Director, Rodamco Europe

120

LM_0904_events___3.indd 120

From left: Pavel Nikl, Director, Bohemia Music s.r.o., Lenka Vácvalová, Actress, La Fantastika Theater Prague and Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, Composer and Conductor with wife Barbara, Psychologist

From left: Ivan Považan, Architect, PP/ARCHITECTS& ENGINEERS s.r.o., Mgr. Blanka Čechová, Lawyer and Ing Allan Jírek, Chairman of the Board, EUBE, a.s.

17.7.2009 11:06:20

From left: Vladimír Větrovský, Artist, Barbora Bálková, Artist, PhDr. Jiří Karbaš, Art Historian and Jaromír Másler, Artist

culture event

Exhibition in the MIRO Gallery Barbora Bálková (*1978), František Hodonský (*1945) Jaromír Másler (*1958), Martin Šárovec (*1977), Pavel Šmíd (*1964) Vladimír Větrovský (*1977), Josef Wagner (*1938), Svatopluk Zapletal (*1946)

FROM THE SUMMER DEPOSITARY more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine, MgA. Miloslav Kučera, Adviser to the Minister of Culture and JUDr. František Mikeš, 1st Deputy of the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic

From left: H.E. Ochir Enkhtur, Ambassador of Mongolia in the Czech Republic, Mgr. Mykhailo Kovbasa, 1st secretary of Embassy of Ukraine, PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Owner of the MIRO Gallery From left: Mgr. Zdeněk Jůzek, Media Director, RF Hobby, spol. s.r.o. with his wife

From left: Václav Čapek, Media Advisor and TV Moderator, Stanislav Vaněk, Director, Robert Zalay, Film Cameraman, PhDr. Václav Hons, Writer and Journalist

LM_0904_events___3.indd 121

From left: Juraj Filas, Composer and Professor, HAMU Prague, H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia in the Czech Republic

15.7.2009 19:57:02

culture event Parallel Lines III – KULANSHI ART CENTER Palace of Peace and Accord – Pyramida

Palace of Peace and Accord Pyramida Astana from Architect Norman Foster

From left: H. E. Bedřich Kopecký, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Kazakhstan, Dr. Miro Smolák, Owner of the MIRO Gallery Prague and Organiser of the Exhibition, H. E. Dušan Podhorský, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, H. E. Rainer Schlageter, Ambassador of Germany, H. E. Abdul Haider, Ambassador of Afghanistan, H. E. Ashok Sajjanhar, Ambassador of India, H. E. Pawel Cieplak, Ambassador of Poland, H. E. Norbert Justin, Ambassador of the European Commission, Zurab G. Kozmava, Chargé d´Affaires of Georgia, H. E. Latif Gandilov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, H. E. Hussein Y. Y. Aboueola, Ambassador of Palestine, H. E. Alberto Anton Cortes, Ambassador of Spain and H. E. Bruno Antonio Pasquino, Ambassador of Italy

Exhibition Czech Contemporary Art

From left: Christian K. Wimmer, General Manager, Austrian Airlines, Kazakhstan, Alia Suleimen, Deputy Country Manager, Austrian Airlines and H. E. Bedřich Kopecký, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Kazakhstan

From left: Mrs. Darina Podhorská, wife of the Slovak Ambassador in Kazakhstan, Mrs. Ajhul, wife of the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, Leila Mahat, Director, Pyramida Gallery Astana and her friend Christina

From left: Mrs. Ewa Giersz, M.A., Director, ULMA Construccion Polska S.A., Astana, Zdeněk Troška, Movie Director and Anna Walczak, Counsellor of the Republic of Poland

122

LM_0904_events___3.indd 122

From left: Norbert Rogsch, Millitary Attaché of Germany in Kazakhstan, with his wife and Eleonóra Kopecká, wife of the Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Kazakhstan and Organizer of the Exhibition

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Mrs. Leila Mahat, Director, Pyramida Gallery Astana, with her mother and H. E. Bedřich Kopecký, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Kazakhstan

17.7.2009 11:08:13

culture event MIROTON After Party in Strahov Brewery with goulash and beer St. Norbert

9th Annual Running for Art – racing track across Petřín, 3356 metres long.

From left: Mrs. Petra Paroubková and Juraj Jakubisko, Czechoslovakian Film Director

MIROTON

From left: Winners of the Men’s Category – Jiří Šmíd (11,59 min), Petr Havelka (11,49 min), Martin Taraba (12,03 min), Ing. Zdenek Grondol, General Director, Greyhound Company, General Partner of MIROTON, Deana Jakubisková, Actress and Film Producer, Jakubisko film Ltd. and Juraj Jakubisko, Film Director From left: Ing. Zdenek Grondol, General Director, Greyhound Company and Ing. Peter Dubček, son of Alexander Dubček

In the middle: H. E. Ochir Enkhtur, Ambassador of Mongolia in the Czech Republic

LM_0904_events___3.indd 123

From left: Winners of the Women’s Category – Alena Hájková (16,08 min), Miriam Marušiaková (13,53 min), Věra Barnová (16,43 min), Rudolf Želinský, Vice Chairman of the Board, Czech International, Ladislava Jurková, Czech International, Ing. Zdenek Grondol, General Director, Greyhound Company, Juraj Jakubisko, Film Director, and Carlo Capalbo, Founder and Organizer of Prague International Marathon

From left: Vladimír Drábek, Organizer, Prague International Marathon and Co-organizer of MIROTON, Dr. Miro Smolák, Director of MIRO Gallery Prague, Founder and Main Organizer of MIROTON, MUDr. Václav Dvořák, Bohnice Mental Hospital

15.7.2009 19:58:28

prague castle event

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE Štěpán Markovič and Gulo Čar Rhythm: Štěpán Markovič, Tenorsaxophone Pavel Dirda, Keys Ladislav Richter, Guitar Vladimir Dirda, Bass Guitar Libor Dirda, Drums Matej Benko Quintet: Matej Benko, Piano Radek Zapadlo, Sax Miroslav Hloucal, Trumphet Martin Lehký, Bass Guitar Pavel „Bady“ Zbořil, Drums Guest: Miriam Bayle, Vocal

Štěpán Markovič, Saxophonist

Jazz at the Castle with Markovič – Gulo Čar – Benko

124

LM_0904_events___3.indd 124

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Ing. Miloš Janů, Vyšehrad Gastro & Travel Services, Ing. Pavel Sedláček, Investment and Egineering, Reno Invest, Mrs. Libuše Benešová, Juraj Jakubisko wis his wife, Jan Černý, Attorney at Law, Černý-Raupachová and Dagmar Raupachová, Attorney at Law, Černý-Raupachová

15.7.2009 19:52:44

From left: H.E. Catherine von Heidenstam, Embassy of Sweden, Mrs. Marie Chatardová, Director, Head of Diplomatic Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

From left: Josef Dráb, JUDr. Ivan Chocholouš, Partner, Amrop Hever with his wife and Ms. Kamila Kryštová, Nadační fond manželů Klausových

Ing. Martin Novotný, Chairman, Czech Assay Office with his wife

From left: Jaromír Šlápota, Chairman, Czecho-Slovak Foreign Institute (ČSUZ) and Ing. Petr Eisler, Poet

H.E. Victor J. Hernández L., Ambassador of Venezuela and his wife

H.E. Chikahito Harada, Ambassador of Japan and his wife

From left: JUDr. Miroslav Somol, Member of the Board, EGAP, Ms. Ivana Procháčková, Karel Vágner, Music Producer, Ms. Věra Somolová, Karel Pleva, CEO & Chairman of the Board of Directors, EGAP

Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

Matej Benko, Pianist

From left: Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine and JUDr. Jaroslav Javornický, Vice Chairman, Golf & Country Club Hodkovičky, a.s.

LM_0904_events___3.indd 125

Kateřina Ksandrová, Client Service Director, Media Service, a.s., Renáta Ben, Advertising Director, Motor Presse Bohemia, s.r.o. and Miloslav Langer, Country Manager, BMW Group with friend

17.7.2009 11:10:27

diplomatic event IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE Guest of honor: PaedDr. Alena Gajdůšková, 1st Vice Chairwoman of the Senate

H.E. Alexey Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation and PaedDr. Alena Gajdůšková, 1st Vice Chairwoman of the Senate

Russian National Day In the beautiful residence of H.E. Alexey L. Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, the Ambassador was pleased to welcome so many colleagues ll andd friends f d to a celebration lb off the h Russian National Day despite the forecast of rain and thunder. In the end only some drops of rain could be felt.

126

LM_0904_events__2.indd 126

From left: Jaromír Šlápota, Chairman of CzechoSlovak Foreign Institute (ČSÚZ), Jarmila Mrnuštíková, General Secretary of International Relations, The Folk Association of the Czech Republic, H.E. Dr. Zdravko Popov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria, H.E. Huo Yuzhen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China and Vladislav Kučík, Advisor of Vojtěch Filip

17.7.2009 10:21:16

From left: Ing. Pavel Franěk, Director, Section for Development Programs of Tourism, Ministry for Regional Development of ČR, Vladimír Darjanin, Director, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and Ing. Petr Lachnit, CSc., General Director and Member of the Board, Free Zone Ostrava, a.s.

Ing. Petr Kubernát, former Czech Ambassador to the Netherlands, now Director Pekos, s.r.o. and Marie Chatardová, Head of Diplomatic Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic From left: Ing. Ladislav Gerle CSc., Director, Cosmotrade-Praha s.r.o. and Doc.Ing. Miroslav Grégr, former Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic

From left: Prof. JUDr. Ján Kříž, Kříž and Bělina Law Office, with daughter and Jiří Bělohlav, CEO, Metrostav

From left: Senior Col. Liu Guanghua, Military and Air Attaché of China, with wife and Lt.-Col. Sergey Kochergin, Deputy Military and Air Force Attaché of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Czech Republic

From left: General Josef Prokeš and General Miloslav Masopust

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

LM_0904_events__2.indd 127

From left: H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Ole Moesby, Danish Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Dr. Mohamed M. Salamyeh, Ambassador of Palestine, Marc S. Ellenbogen, Prague Society and H.E. Dr. Zdravko Popov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria

15.7.2009 19:29:29

From left: Petr Bílek, Anatoly Agapov, Minister-Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in the Czech Republic and Dr. Jaroslav Šlézar, Csc.

From left: H.E. Tair Tagizade, Ambassador of Azerbaijan and Doc. Ing. Václav Petříček, CSc., Chairman of the Board, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries

From left: Mrs.Tagizade, wife of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan and H.E. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of Syria

From left: Valerij Ščetinin, General Consul, Russian Federation in Karlovy Vary and Alexander Akulinin Project Manager Russia and CIS Operations, Comenius

From left: Dipl. Ing. Igor Střelec, President, Czech National Culture Fund, Ing. Petr Kubernát, former Czech Ambassador to the Netherlands, now Director Pekos, s.r.o. and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

From left: Jadran Šetlík, Photographer, H.E. Achilleas Antoniades, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Alexey Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Petr Wolf, Member of Parliament, Parliament of the Czech Republic

From left: doc. Ing. Václav Petříček, CSc., Chairman of the Board, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic Prot. Mgr. Oleg Machněv, Orthodox Church in Czech Republic and Mrs. Taťána Střelcová, Czech National Cultural Fund

From left: H.E. Ivan Orlič, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina and H.E. Chikahito Harada, Ambassador of Japan

LM_0904_events__2.indd 128

From left: Ulf Landeberg, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Prague Castle Hotel, Tanja Dandárová, Guest Relations Manager Crowne Plaza Prague Castle and Ing. Igor Vasiljevič Borisov, Advisor to the Governor of the Khanty-Mansyisk Region

15.7.2009 19:30:43

diplomatic event

GREAT SUCCESS FOR THE 2ND JOINT CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL DAYS AT ŽOFÍN: DENMARK, ESTONIA, FINLAND, ICELAND, LATVIA, LITHUANIA, NORWAY AND SWEDEN

All the Ambassadors including the Honorary Consul General of Iceland, Štefan Füle, Minister for the European Affairs, Přemysl Sobotka, President of the Senate, Parliament of the Czech Republic and Jan Fisher, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SAAB JUDr. František Mikeš, Deputy Minister of Culture of the CR

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Zdeněk Pšenica, President The Folk Association of the Czech Republic and Petr Talafus, Director of External Relations, Czech Chamber of Commerce

Back on a visit, former USA Ambassador to the Czech Republic, H.E. William J. Cabaniss with wife Catherine and Mrs. Jessica Hejtmanek, Special Projects Department, The Lobkowicz Collections

Alan Krautstengel, Ph.D., President Anglo-American University

129

LM_0904_events__2.indd 129

Mgr. Barbora Loudová, Deputy Chief Office of the Government Protocol Department and H.E. Jaakov Levy, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Czech Republic

A special thanks to SAAB for making this reportage possible

From left: Birger Husted, General Manager, Czech Republic Unique Consult, Petr Adrián, MBA Minister´s Secretary – EU Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade the Czech Republic, Ing. Miroslava Paidarová, Director, Agency Praha Eurola, s.r.o. and PhDr. Ing. Ivo Klimeš, M.B.A., Managing Director of Intrum Justitia, s.r.o.

17.7.2009 10:25:04

From left: Milan Hovorka, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade and H.E. Athar Mahmood, Ambassador of Pakistan

Björn Mattsson, CEO and Chairman of the Board Skanska Reality, a.s., with wife

From left: Mrs. Dagmar Raupachová, Advocate Law Office Černý-Raupachová, Arnošt Lustig, Writer and Dr. Markéta Mališová, Director Centrum France Kafky

Ulf Landeberg, General Manager Crowne Plaza Prague Castle Hotel, Mrs. Zuzana Tančáková, George Csaszar, Executive Director Hekimo and Mrs. Tanja Dandárová, Guest Relations Manager Crowne Plaza Prague Castle

H.E. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of Syria, H.E. Dr. Mohamed M. Salamyeh, Ambassador of Palestine, H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Hamdi, Ambassador, Embassy of Yemen in Prague and H.E. Dhia Al-Dabbass, Ambassador of Iraq From left: Ing. Karel Janáček, CSc., Komerční Banka, Prof. Moldán, Senator

From left: MUDr. Zdenko Denk, Mrs. Bettina Lobkowicz, H.E. Jaakov Levy, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Czech Republic and Jiří Dienstbier, Chairman Comittee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Parliament of the Czech Republic, The Senate

From left: Mrs. Lucia Kucharíková, Managing Director La Veranda, Nigel Mort and Mrs. Světlana Blanor, Owner La Veranda From left: MUDr. Richard Sequens, PhD., former Senator, H.E. Catherine von Heidenstam, Ambassador of Sweden and Marcel Toporčák, Country Manager Medicover

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SAAB LM_0904_events__2.indd 130

From left: Mrs. Rim Karra, H.E. Argita Daudze, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia, H.E. Achilleas Antoniades, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus and MUDr. Jamal Karra, CSc.

From left: Princess Elizabeth Lobkowicz and Mrs. Eliška Hašková Coolidge, Coolidge Consulting Services

15.7.2009 19:12:53

From left: Joseph Drebitko, Chairman of the Board and CEO Activ a.s., Mrs. Magdaléna Souček, Partner Ernst & Young Consulting and Gerd Stuert, Partner Ernst & Young Consulting

Milan Kupka, Section Director, Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, Section of Prime Minister and Mrs. Eliška Hašková Coolidge, Coolidge Consulting Services

Ing. Pavel Bobošík and Mrs. Jana Bobošíková, former Member of EU Parliament

Alena Johannesson and Robert Johannesson, Mayor Swedish Armed Forces, Swedish Air Force Support Group Czech Republic H.E. Hannu Kyröläinen, Ambassador of Finland, with wife and H.E. José J. Pereira Gomes, Ambassador of Portugal H.E. Huo Yuzhen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China

From left: Ing. arch. Iva Drebitko, President of TRIGA, Patrons´ Club of the National Theatre, Mrs. Helene Fries, wife of the Ambassador of France, Mrs. Catherine Cabaniss and Mrs. Helena Kroftová Leisztner, Designer and Artist

LM_0904_events__2.indd 131

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

131 13 31

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SAAB 15.7.2009 19:13:39

A special thanks to SAAB for making this reportage possible

From left: H.E. Catherine von Heidenstam, Ambassador of Sweden and H.E. Lt. Col. Robert Björklund, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Sweden with his wife Fredrica Björklund

Lunch with Military Attaché at the Swedish Embassy

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SAAB LM_0904_events__2.indd 132

The Swedish Defence Attaché Lt. Col. Robert Björklund, held a Swedish National Day Reception at the embassy. The guests were served traditional Swedish food and refreshment – much appreciated by all.

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

All Attachés together

15.7.2009 19:09:40

From left: Col. Alexander Sidorjak, Defence Attaché, Embassy of the Slovak Republic, Col. Athanasios Kalogiannis, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Greece, Lt. Col. GS Bruno Riediger, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Germany and Col. Viorel Georgiu, Defence, Military and Air Attaché, Embassy of Romania

From left: Major General Josef Prokš, 1st Deputy Chief of the General Staff (ACR) and Zdeněk Sýkora, Deputy CEO, Chairman of the Board, Aero Vodochody

From left: Plk. Gst. Ing. Vladimír Ficenec, Director, Ministry of Defence of the CR – Supersonic Aircraft Project Management Office, Jaroslav Kankia, Department of Joint Operation Centrum, Ministry of Defence of the CR, Pavel Beran, Ministry of Defence of the CR – Supersonic Aircraft Project Management Office, Zdeněk Sýkora, Deputy CEO, Chairman of the Board, Aero Vodochody and Col. Zdenek Formánek, Logistic Division, Ministry of Defence of the CR

From left: Roger Lantz, VP Central Europe Marketing, SAAB and Col. Per Nilsson, Program Director Gripen for the CR, FMV

From left: Jindřich Ploch, President, Defence and Security Industry Ass. of the CR and Zdeněk Sýkora, Deputy CEO, Chairman of the Board, Aero Vodochody

Major Robert Johanneson, Swedish Airforce Support Group CR

From left: Daniel Boestad, Director, Gripen CR, SAAB and Col. Jiří Verner, Deputy Joint Forces Commander, Armed Forces CR

LM_0904_events__2.indd 133

IN PARTNERSHIP 133 WITH SAAB 15.7.2009 19:10:21

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

and the 64-year anniversary of the end of World War II

VICTORY DAY

diplomatic event

134

LM_0904_events_1.indd 134

H.E. Alexey Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation

15.7.2009 18:59:33

From left: H.E. Seong-Yong Cho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, H.E. Regina Irene P. Sarmiento, Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Thanarat Thanaputti, Ambassador of Thailand, H.E. Zainal Abidin Bakar, Ambassador of Malaysia, H.E. Dhia Al-Dabbass, Ambassador of Iraq and H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria

From left: Prof. JUDr. Jan Kříž, Law Office Kříž and Bělina, Petr Hájek, Spokesman for Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Petr Hejma, Mayor of the Municipality of Prague 1

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher and H.E. Huo Yuzhen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China

From left: Dmitry Levakhov, HR Manager, CEE&B Lukoil Czech Republic, s.r.o. and Ryupin Denis, Managing Dicrector, CEE & Belgium Lukoil Czech Republic, s.r.o.

Mrs. Taťána Střelcová and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Přemysl Sobotka, Speaker of the Senate, Parliament of the Czech Republic and Ing. Miloslav Vlček, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the Czech Republic

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

LM_0904_events_1.indd 135

From left: H.E. Alexey Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Mrs. Fedotov and Mrs. Livia Klausová, wife of the President of the Czech Republic

17.7.2009 11:29:57

From left: Miloš Janů, M.Sc. (Econ.), NOBLE Services Ltd., Ivan Fuksa, Deputy Minister of Finance, Boris A. Zaytsev, Deputy Director The Russian FCS „Institute of Microeconomics“, Prof. Svatopluk Mackrle, CSc., Director-CEO, Ecofluid group, s.r.o., Milan Hovorka, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade and JUDr. František Mikeš, 1. Deputy Minister of Culture, Ministry of Culture

From left: Dipl. Ing. Igor Střelec, Chairman of the Board Stig, a.s. and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

From left: prot. Mgr. Oleg Machněv, Orthodox Church in the Czech Republic and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

From left: Ing. Miloslav Vlček, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the Czech Republic and Ryupin Denis, Managing Dicrector, CEE & Belgium Lukoil Czech Republic, s.r.o.

From left: H.E. Quazim Tepshi, Ambassador of Albania and H.E. Alberto Salas, Ambassador of Peru

H.E. Jan Pastwa, Ambassador of Poland

136

VICTORY DAY LM_0904_events_1.indd 136

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic with wife and Archbishop Kryštof

15.7.2009 19:00:29

Ostrava_Brno.indd 137

15.7.2009 19:46:00

Zdeně S TUD D I O A R T G A L L E RY (b by ap appo poin intm tm m en n t on only ly))

P AG PR AGUE UE E tel. te l.:: +4 l. +420 20 602 2 269 69 400 0

w w w. sorffar t .net

Prague, Miami, Punta Del Este, Santa Monica, Mech he Santa Barbara, San Diego, Breda, Knokke-Heist, Konsta anz West Palm Beach, San Francisco, Honnover, Wie en

new: Bogotá (president Á. Uribe Véleze), Monterey (CA), Karlovy Vary (CZ 090707_inzerce_SORFART_leaders_234x325.indd 2

16.7.2009 9:45:35

k Ĺ orf paintings / obrazy

ch helen, Beverly Hills, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, ta anz, Sarasota, Wassenaar, Malibu, Palm Springs, Naples, Wie en, Boca Raton, Carrasco, Palm Beach, Santa Fe (CZ), Kiev (UA), Ä&#x152;astolovice Castle (CZ), Montecito (CA), Coconut Grove (FL)

090707_inzerce_SORFART_leaders_234x325.indd 3

16.7.2009 9:45:38

PRAGUE – WARSAW – VIENNA – GRAZ – SALZBURG – BERLIN – COLOGNE – MUNICH – BRATISLAVA – BUDAPEST – BUCHAREST

Property Management – Facility Management – Asset Management IMV was founded in 1993 and has grown steaadily since that time, becomingg Austria’s Number 1 private property/facilitt y management company in 20044. 2005 IMV Praha was founded and nowadays on the Czech Markket with 30 employyers and nearly 270.000 sqm managed space.

Ofﬁce Buildings

Retail

Residential Objects

Privaate Residences

IMV Praha s.r.o., ofﬁce.praha@imv.eu, tel.: +420 224 007 220, fax: +420 224 007 228 102 00 Prague 2, Jugoslávská 29/60 (Palác Valdek);

www.imv.eu reklama INV.indd 1

15.7.2009 19:40:38