Diplomacy&Trade 2020 october by Diplomacy&Trade

OCTOBER 2020 HUF 1710

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SABER-RATTLING IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN DISPUTE BETWEEN GREECE AND TURKEY OVER OIL AND GAS RESERVES

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Polish Presidency of the V4 Poland has been at the helm of the Visegrád Group (V4) since July 1, 2020. The Polish Ambassador to Hungary, Jerzy Snopek points out that one of the main objectives of his country’s Presidency is how to go back to ‘normalcy’ once the COVID-19 pandemic situation is over. Another important agenda falling within the tenure of the one-year-long Polish Presidency is the 30th anniversary of the Visegrád Group and the 20th anniversary of the Visegrád Fund's establishment. see more on page 09

The Public Needs to Experience Emotions Brazilian maestro Sergio Kuhlmann has recently been in Budapest orchestrating the main theme for the Hungarian-developed classical music TV show ‘Virtuosos’. That theme is composed by Placido Domingo Jr. with whom work is “easy but also requires a lot of responsibility.” Maestro Kuhlmann, as an orchestra conductor and as a participant in the ‘Brazil Instrumental’ project, has always been trying to make sure that the music reaches the public in a very spontaneous, direct, and enriching way. see article on page 13

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As if there had not been enough problem in the Eastern Mediterranean region with migration resulting from the conflict in Syria, a new front has opened between Greece and Turkey regarding the rights to extricate oil and gas from under the sea between the two countries. As our international analyst puts it, the two countries “have never been fast friends” and it will take some time before this dispute involving multilateral interests and different interpretations of international law is resolved and drilling can start. Closer to home, the current presidency of the Visegrád Four (V4) Group is filled by Poland. The objectives of the Presidency is detailed by the Polish Ambassador who states that one of the main aims is to recover from the crisis and ‘return to normalcy’ after the pandemic with an increased focus on health and science. Also falling within the tenure of the Polish Presidency are the 30th anniversary of the Visegrád Group and the 20th anniversary of the Visegrád Fund's establishment. Not surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic is also a topic on our business page. A new survey says banks in the Central and Eastern European region are facing unprecedented challenges in the current situation despite having learned a lot of lessons from the 2008-09 world economic crisis. This month, WittyLeaks is by the Ambassador of the Netherlands. On the 100th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Netherlands and Hungary, René van Hell talks about events in history – from a Hungarian governor general of his country in the 16th century to the 20th century when, for example, tens of thousands of orphaned, traumatized and undernourished Hungarian children were received in Holland after World War I – that make up a multi-level bond between the two countries and the two peoples. You can also read about the cultural background to the upcoming ‘Martin Day’ in Hungary, a short interview with a Brazilian conductor and music director who has been in Hungary recently, while our wine page presents the Vida Winery. As the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is clearly upon us, please, take care and follow the guidelines for reducing your risks!

Peter Freed

Vida winery names their wine after loess

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Event guide to the Hungarian capital

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contents 05 ON THE RECORD 06-07 COMPANY BRIEFS 08 ANALYSIS

PUBLISHER

CEE banks face unprecedented challenges

AND DON’T FORGET

monthly in print - daily on the web

www.dteurope.com

Dispute between Greece and Turkey over oil and gas reserves 09 DIPLOMACY Polish Presidency of the Visegrád Group 10 WITTYLEAKS by the Ambassador of the Netherlands

11 BUSINESS

COVID-19 impact on CEE banks 12-13 CULTURE Martin Day in Hungary; Maestro Sergio Kuhlmann 14 WHAT’S ON Concerts, festivals, events and exhibitions in and out of Budapest 15 WINE Vida winery

PUBLISHER: Peter Freed EDITOR: Sándor Laczkó PHOTO EDITOR: Dávid Harangozó SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR: Tamás Varga DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Tibor Ocsenás ADMINISTRATION: Éva Madarász

GERMAN FOCUS – COMING SOON

CONTRIBUTORS: Sándor Laczkó, Tamás Magyarics, Réka A. Francisck, René van Hell

Diplomacy&Trade is preparing a special section on Germany, Europe’s financial powerhouse and one of Hungary’s most significant investors as Germany holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of this year. With the new German Ambassador to Hungary, Johannes Konrad Haindl, we discuss the program points of the German EU Presidency as well as the role of German investors in Hungary. Also discussed are aspects of bilateral relations, including issues of security and defense apropos a recent visit to Hungary by the German Minister of Defense. In addition, we will present bilateral relations as seen by the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Deutsche Wirtschaftsclub or the Goethe Institut and present several German investors in Hungary.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS: depositphotos.com (Cover), Wineglass Communication, István Gyarmati, depositphotos.com, US Embassy, Darinko/Wikipedia, Skanska,

pannonoil.hu, Szilárd Dudar, Vodafone, Auchan, Aad Meijer/Embassy of the Netherlands, BTM-Kiscelli Museum, Yasuyoshi Chiba/Agence France-Presse, Live Nation, Gunter Lepkowski/Lepkowski Studios, Theo O. Krath, MTI Photo: János Vajda

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COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT SELECTED RELAY AND INMEDIO OUTLETS IN MAJOR HUNGARIAN CITIES.

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on the record

WORLD FIRST AID DAY IN HUNGARY

Each year, more than a hundred Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world organize events and ceremonies on the second Saturday of September to raise public awareness that first aid can save lives in everyday and crisis situations.

U.S. AMBASSADOR TO LEAVE BUDAPEST POST

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US EMBASSY, DARINKO/WIKIPEDIA, DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

The American ambassador to Hungary, David B. Cornstein announced on his Embassy’s website on September 15 that he "will be stepping down as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary on November 1." As he wrote, "it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the country that I love in a country that I have come to cherish, but our bilateral relationship is more than just one person. Working with the entire team at U.S. Embassy Budapest, both Americans and Hungarians, I am proud of how much we have accomplished together in strengthening our countries’ bonds as allies." The ambassador added that while he will miss Hungary "and all the wonderful friends and memories I have made here, my Embassy team, Hungary, and the Hungarian people will always remain in my heart."

HUNGARIAN VILLAGE ELECTS DUTCH ENTREPRENEUR AS MAYOR

An agricultural entrepreneur of Dutch origin living in Hungary for 22 years, Derks Wilhelmus Josephus, has been elected mayor of the Western Hungarian village of Egyházasrádóc. Progress, cohesion and preservation of the village's property – this is how he summarized his main ideas to the local Vas County news site vaol.hu. The independent candidate has been a member of the village local government since last October. The previous mayor, who was elected last fall, resigned on May 6, citing health reasons. The date of the interim election could not be decided until June because of the restrictions that came into force due to the COVID epidemic. Eventually, the date was set by the local election committee for September 13 with five candidates on the ballot. Derks Wilhelmus Josephus received 310 of the 737 votes cast in the village of 1,100 eligible voters. w w w . d t e u r o p e . c o m

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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) introduced World First Aid Day in 2000. The IFRC believes that first aid should be accessible to all – including the most vulnerable, and should also be an integral part of a wider developmental approach. With first aid skills, volunteers and communities are empowered to save lives without discrimination. In connection with World First Aid Day this year, the Hungarian Red Cross' Hero Training Campaign draws attention to the importance of acquiring safe first aid skills. This fall, the campaign is focused on the effective control of the coronavirus epidemic until the end of November.

UPCOMING NATIONAL DAYS October 1 1 1 3 3 3 10 10 12 18 23 24 26 28 29 11 November 11 15 18 18 19 22 28

Cyprus China Nigeria Germany Korea Iraq Taiwan Cuba Spain Azerbaijan Hungary Zambia Austria Czech Republic Turkey Poland Angola Belgium Latvia Morocco Oman Lebanon Albania

National day Independence day Independence day Independence day National day National day National day National day National day Independence day National day Independence day National day Independence day National day Independence day Independence day National day Independence day National day National day Independence day Independence day

GRAPE HARVEST BEGINS IN HUNGARY Although Hungarian wines have had outstandingly good years in the last decade, the changing weather has constantly put the wineries’ experts to the test as climate change is having an impact on Hungarian wine regions, napi.hu reports In the most famous wine region of the country, TokajHegyalja, for example, the dry spring was followed by an extremely rainy period. From mid-May to midJuly, nearly 500 millimeters of rain fell, delaying the ripening of the grapes. However, this is the first time in years that the harvest began at the traditional time, mid-September. "The first eight months of the year in the vineyards were complicated and difficult due to the chaotic weather, but we have been used to this for the last ten years. From the point of view of viticulture, however, the excellent September weather was very favorable for the fruit. Thanks to this, the harvest started at the traditional time, in the middle of September, so we expect a good vintage this year," the winemaker of Balassa Winery, István Balassa, told the news site.

HUNGARIAN SCREENWRITER LISTED AMONG THE WORLD'S BEST

MOST HUNGARIANS DO NOT WANT TO RECEIVE CORONAVIRUS VACCINE

Stagnant health care and curfews are what worry Hungarians most about the coronavirus, yet, only a quarter of respondents would ask for the vaccine, and 40% would not inject themselves even if it were already available, a new survey says. 80% of those surveyed fear a second wave of the virus because they only have enough financial reserves left for up to two months. A third of those surveyed were helped by the government’s economic rescue package to weather the first wave of economic hardship. The research commissioned by the Pepita.hu online webshop examined how much Hungarians fear the second wave of the coronavirus: two-thirds of the respondents are most afraid of stagnant health care and the closure of clinics. The curfew and the temporary closure of workplaces are of concern to nearly half of those surveyed.

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The American entertainment magazine Variety has released this year’s list of '10 Screenwriters to Watch', a list that includes a Hungarian artist Kata Wéber. Variety executive editor Steven Gaydos called the 2020 selections “emblematic of what is needed from filmmakers in this unsettled and challenging time. These screenwriters are taking on the big issues confronting the world, but they’re also making sure their stories are grounded in empathy for their widely diverse, wildly original characters.” Actress and screenwriter Kata Wéber earned a place on the top ten list with her script of the movie 'Pieces of a woman' directed by fellow Hungarian Kornél Mundruczó. It was also this September that British actress Vanessa Kirby was announced winner of the ‘Coppa Volpi for Best Actress’ at the Venice Film Festival for her performance in this film.

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company briefs NORDIC LIGHT TRIO COMPLETED IN BUDAPEST

NEW HELL ENERGY PLANT IN SZIKSZÓ

Skanska Hungary delivered the third and final segment of the already successfully operating Nordic Light complex in the 13th district in early September. The fully leased property was divested to a South Korean investment trust, JR AMC one year before its completion. The largest tenant of the property is Roche Services (Europe) Ltd. According to a statement by Skanska, advanced solutions in sustainability, design, digitization and comfort were applied during the development of Nordic Light Trio. The building has been designed to support the health and well-being of users and it is the first WELL-certified project of Skanska in Hungary. Nordic Light Trio is aiming for a LEED Gold certification as well. The newest building of the Nordic Light complex with seven floors offers 14,000 square meters of total leasable class ‘A’ office accommodation, 223 underground parking spaces and a landscaped garden of 2,400 square meters. Located on Váci Corridor, the project is easily accessible by public transport – M3 Metro, Tram No 1 and several trolley lines are within close reach – by bike or by a ten-minute car ride from the city center. Nordic Light Trio is now fully leased and is the first office asset in East Central Europe that JR AMC, a South Korean investment fund has acquired. Alexandra Tomášková, Skanska's EVP Operations in Hungary & Czech Republic is quoted by the company statement as saying “we are delighted and proud to deliver Skanska Hungary’s latest project, Nordic Light Trio. It is always an amazing experience to share the same values with our clients, and it is our pleasure to welcome our tenant, Roche Services (Europe) Ltd. in its new head office. We are together committed to the environment and innovation along with the health and safety of our employees as well as partners. Nordic Light Trio, the first project of ours to be WELL certified, was designed and built to offer qualitative characteristics to benefit the body and mind. Bicycle parking, showers and lockers for bikers along with a multifunctional public garden and green terraces encourage physical activities as well as opportunities for relaxation and boosting energy throughout the working day. Every part, down to the smallest detail has been designed to help people feel inspired. It is an outstanding success of Skanska Hungary team, with lots of hard work, commitment and valued contribution!”

The latte filling plant of energy and soft drinks manufacturer Hell Energy Hungary Plc. was inaugurated in the outskirts of Szikszó, NE Hungary this September. The investment cost HUF 8 billion, to which the government provided half of the amount in non-refundable support. At the inauguration, Finance Minister Mihály Varga said that this company, “like the Hungarian economy, operates despite the coronavirus epidemic, performs well, people work, there is reason to be confident," adding his opinion that the economy can perform in difficult conditions, the state news agency MTI reported. As the minister put it, the crisis is also an opportunity, and although the economy has not remained as it was before the epidemic, it is prospering and investments are being made, as is the case here in Szikszó. He was of the view that "We don’t need outside help, we’re alone, even though we can’t escape global influences, we have had to face new challenges due to shrinking export markets," he added.

SUCCESSFUL FINANCIAL YEAR FOR MERCEDES IN KECSKEMÉT

All of the company's actions are based on the motto 'First move the world'. "In this sense, it is important that our strategic work is always determined by our principles. The corporate values – passion, integrity, discipline, respect – set the trend in all of our activities. At the Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét, we designed the year 2019 on this basis. We have simplified the previous ten strategic topics and integrated them into six strategic pillars, which include both professional and people-related approaches," according to the report. With ‘Ambition2039’, Mercedes-Benz Cars has set itself the goal of CO2-neutral new passenger cars in less than 20 years. By 2030, the company aims to have more than 50% of its car sales plug-in hybrids or purely electric vehicles. "In our local strategy, we therefore pay special attention to sustainability and green production, which means lower power consumption, less waste and less paper consumption," the reports points out.

In many ways, 2019 was a successful year for MercedesBenz Manufacturing Hungary Plc. at the Kecskemét plant, which successfully started series production of three new models, the company's annual report says. The new CLA Coupé was followed by the CLA Shooting Brake and, in the autumn, the three Mercedes-AMG Performance compact models. The vehicles manufactured in Kecskemét also made a significant contribution to the successful sales of the MercedesBenz brand in Hungary. "This would not have been possible without our motivated and professional team. Thanks to the developments and the results achieved, the Kecskemét plant has further consolidated its role in the global Mercedes-Benz production network," the document adds.

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The foundation stone has been laid for the newest production plant of Pannon Növényolajgyártó (‘Vegetable Oil Producer’), a member of the Glencore Agriculture Group, in Foktő, south-central Hungary. The crushing facility, which was opened in 2012 will now be enlarged with a new plant for further refining through this investment of EUR 66.3 million. Products will leave the plant at a higher level of processing, thus enabling higher added value and creating 40 new jobs in Hungary. Glencore is one of the largest industrial raw material and commodity suppliers in the world. Glencore Agriculture is a global market leader in the purchase, handling, processing and marketing of agricultural products and commodities, giving work to over 13,000 employees in 35 countries worldwide. As part of Glencore Agriculture's Hungarian group, which comprises three member organizations, Pannon Növényolajgyártó operates one of the largest vegetable oil plants in Central Europe in Foktő, processing sunflower seed, rape seed, soybean, and corn germ with the application of cutting-edge technologies. The current investment will make the Foktő one of the most modern edible oil refinery plants in Central Europe, with almost unrivalled capacity in the region. With this, the produced raw oil will be 50% refined on site, which will not only contribute to higher added value in local production, but also reduce the environmental pressures from transportation. The process includes multiple stages of filtering and cleaning, through which residual particles and other contaminations are removed from the raw oil. Through drying, the resulting by-products can become a further source of useful commodities, such as lecithin, which is an important commodity in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industry. No by-product generated during the process will be left unused, the company’s statement notes.

SKANSKA, PANNONOIL.HU, JÁNOS VAJDA/MTI, SZILÁRD DUDAR

VEGETABLE OIL PLANT TO BE EXPANDED IN FOKTŐ

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company briefs

VODAFONE HUNGARY MOVES TO NEW PREMISES

As the next step in the integration of Vodafone Hungary and UPC, staff working in the company's Budapest offices will move to the Budapest ONE office park. The complex, developed by Futureal will house Vodafone's new headquarters, which will offer innovative technological solutions of the highest standards, focusing not only on sustainability but also on the health and well-being of employees, a press release by the Vodafone Hungary says. Vodafone announced the acquisition of UPC Hungary last August, followed by the legal merger of the two companies on April 1, 2020. The next stop of the merger will directly affect the company's employees, as, from October 2022, colleagues working in the Budapest headquarters will move to a common building in the Budapest ONE office park. “Vodafone Hungary has always stood for flexible working, however, with our recent experience in mind, we are trying to redefine and further advance this flexibility in terms of both office work and remote working. Of course, we will continue to provide our colleagues the possibility to work from home, as this is justified not only by the needs of our employees but also by considerations of environmental awareness. At the same time, we consider it important to create a green, digital office environment for our employees that inspires them and also supports their mental and physical well-being. In addition to the innovation aspects, we were looking for a modern building where we will be able to showcase our latest, most innovative technologies. In the coming months, we will be working with our colleagues and partners to create an office space that’s most suited to the needs of future employment,” the CEO of Vodafone Hungary, Amanda Nelson said.

LENOVO BUILDS MANUFACTURING UNIT IN HUNGARY

The Hong Kong-based electronics company Lenovo will manufacture products for data centers and desktops in its brand new facility in Üllő, south of Budapest, as part of an investment worth HUF 8.2 billion (EUR 22.5 million), creating a total of almost 1,000 new jobs. The Hungarian government will incur almost a quarter of the costs, HUF two billion. Lenovo was founded in 1988, in Hong Kong and gained global significance in 2004 after acquiring IBM's personal computer business. 2014 marked another milestone with the acquisition of IBM's Intel-based server business. The company, which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, employs about 63,000 people in over 180 countries around the world. Its head office is in Hong Kong, but the company has key operational centers in Beijing and Morrisville (US). The Deputy President of Lenovo, Guan Wei spoke at the announcement in a video message. As he explained, Lenovo’s leadership examined several European sites, and eventually chose Hungary because of its central location, its outstanding infrastructure, its highly trained workforce and its favorable business environment.

AUCHAN HUNGARY WINS AWARD Auchan Hungary won this year's Commercial Award of Excellence for Hungarian Products, which has been one of the most prestigious awards in the industry for three years now. Each year, the award is given to the commercial company that does the most to promote domestic products. This year, according to the jury, Auchan was the best in this, moreover, it particularly supported Hungarian farmers in the situation caused by the epidemic. In the last twelve years, the proportion of Hungarian products available in Auchan stores has increased significantly because the distribution of local and seasonal products is at the heart of the company's strategy, a statement by the company points out. By distributing fresh goods, the company provides a stable livelihood for domestic producers and farmers, while customers have the opportunity to look for the offer of their favorite producer on the store shelves.

“We are incredibly proud of this award, as the promotion of Hungarian and local products is not only strategically important to us, but also a matter of the heart of our company. That’s why we created our Direct Cultivation Program, which focuses on excellent and controlled quality. Year after year, we work to do as much as possible in this direction and to expand our domestic product range, because we are convinced that both the producer and the customer will do well,” the CEO of Auchan Retail Hungary, Dominique Ducoux stated.

AUTOWALLIS CHOSEN AS OPEL IMPORTER TO HUNGARY Opel has chosen AutoWallis to be the importer of the iconic German brand in Hungary, enabling the Budapest Stock Exchange (BSE) listed group to continue increasing its revenue and new vehicle sales, in a further significant step towards realizing its strategic goals. An AutoWallis report on the BSE website says the decision follows a similar one in July regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia. As with the other three countries, the closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval, following which Wallis Automotive Europe (WAE), a subsidiary of AutoWallis, will take over all employees involved in the importer activities in all countries concerned. The strategic importance and scale of the Hungarian

market is well reflected by the nearly 12,500 Opel cars and vans sold here in 2019 (this figure was 11,700 vehicles for the other three countries combined). Gábor Ormosy, CEO of AutoWallis, declared the importer cooperation with Opel, now covering four countries, to be one of the most significant milestones in the history of the company. Noting that 24,000 Opels were retailed all together last year in the countries concerned, he predicted that AutoWallis group’s sales tally will show a substantial increase in 2021. The company, which is the distributor of 15 vehicle brands, is one step closer to realizing its strategic objectives, and doubling its revenue by 2029, becoming a major mobility service provider of the Central and Eastern Diplomacy-n-Trade.ai 1 2017. 02. 27. European region.

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analysis IT’S THE OIL AND GAS, STUPID!

Greece and Turkey have never been fast friends. Centuries of Turkish occupation of Greece gave rise to deep-seated Greek enmity towards the Ottomans; the collapse of the Ottoman Empire did not bring about a reconciliation between the two nations either. Athens and Ankara set aside, on the surface, their hostile feelings towards the other side when they found themselves inside NATO. The organization wanted to make sure that the southern flank of the Atlantic Community would be a real asset in the Cold War, and was willing to tolerate military leaderships in these countries, as well as open flaunting of some of the values NATO is supposedly to promote for the sake a common front against Soviet threat. At the same time, NATO did its best to smooth over potential and real conflicts between two of its members – until 1974 when the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was created in the wake of an armed conflict between Greece and Turkey. The international community does not recognize this Turkish breakaway entity, and its presence is an ongoing source of conflict in the relations between Greece and Turkey.

Different interpretations However, new disputes have emerged between the two countries recently – predominantly about oil and gas and, by implication, the different interpretations of international law. The controversy also involves a few other countries which have taken sides in accordance with their perceived interests. Thus, Libya, Egypt, the

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United Arab Emirates, Russia and the European Union have became involved in the ever hotter debate. At stake is billions of cubic meters of gas which would solve much of the energy demand for the country (countries) that would be able (allowed by the others) to extricate this strategic material. In fact, it seems quite a long time to go when drilling can be started in earnest. The bilateral dispute between Greece and Turkey is predominantly about the extension of territorial waters and the continental shelves. As for the latter, Turkey argues that the 200-mile zone should only be counted from the mainlands, excluding the various islands; Athens thinks otherwise. The gist of the debate is whether a country can establish an Exclusionary Economic Zone (EEZ) within this zone; in point of fact, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea allows it. The problem is that Turkey has not ratified the Convention and, therefore, does not recognize its validity in this case. As far as the territorial waters are concerned, the maximum extension may be 12 miles, but so far Greece – partly because of the proximity of some of its islands to Turkey – has set it at 6 miles. If Greece extended it to 12 miles, argues Ankara, that would affect some of Turkey’s sea routes, thus endangering, ultimately, the national security of the country. This issue is at the heart of another Turkish complaint. The Montreux Convention of 1936 prohibits the militarization of the Aegean islands; Greece has militarized them for the past 50 years and now Greek units were spotted on Greek islands within sight of the Turkish mainland. Military preparations and saber-rattling are going on both sides;

this sensitive question. Turkey still has the second largest military in NATO and, besides, its geostrategic location makes the country an important linchpin in the Atlantic Community’s security structure. Moreover, it can blackmail the EU with the four million or so migrants who are living in camps in Turkey, and are kept inside the country with billions of euros paid by Brussels to Ankara. Moreover, this GreekTurkish conflict in the eastern Mediterranean is putting major outside actors, especially the EU and the U.S. on the spot, insofar as they are forced to make tough decisions by siding with one member of their community or an important partner for the EU, and one or another member regarding NATO. Finding a middle ground seems to be almost impossible: feelings are running quite high on both sides, and yielding in this important economic and strategic question is not an option either in Athens or in Ankara from a domestic political point of view. The imposition of a settlement on the parties by the EU and NATO may be a way out, at least in short and medium term; however, it would need a unified position within these organizations which is, given open and hidden rivalries among its major members, is not an easy task either. Given the weak leadership in the EU, and a sort of political turmoil in the U.S., it may as well be a wishful thinking to expect strong leadership in this complex international issue on their part. Things are coming to a full circle; the current stasis is likely to stay with us for some time to come.

for instance, Greece is busy boosting its air force capability (even in a precarious economic situation), which is inferior to that of the Turks, by purchasing a number of Rafale and Mirage 20005 fighter aircraft from France – which has been traditionally suspicious of Turkey’s intentions and policies in the eastern Mediterranean.

Walking on a thin line

The multilateral issues are even more complicated. Both sides are busy finding partners in the exploration of the gas fields and in the diplomatic – and power – battles, too. Turkey seems to have found a partner in Lybia, that is, in the internationally recognized government in Tripoli, the Government of National Accord (GNA). However, the GNA is opposed by General Khalifa Haftar, headquartered in Tobruk. General Haftar is enjoying the support of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia. Greece signed a deal with Egypt in August 2020 about setting up a maritime zone, which infuriated Ankara. Meanwhile, Turkey concluded a similar agreement with Libya, which evoked strong protests from Greece and Egypt. In a broader context, the European Union tends to support Greek claims of maritime and drilling rights, while Germany has made efforts to mediate between the two countries, and so has NATO. In the background there is the United States; the American-Turkish relations have soured in the past months in general; in this particular row, Washington prefers to stay on the sidelines, at least publicly. The stakes are rather high for both the EU and the U.S.; they have to walk a thin line in O C T O B E R

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Tamás Magyarics is a foreign policy analyst

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BY TAMÁS MAGYARICS

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diplomacy

BACK ON TRACK: THE V4 POLISH PRESIDENCY POLAND AT THE HELM OF THE VISEGRÁD GROUP SINCE JULY 1, 2020 BY THE AMBASSADOR OF POLAND, JERZY SNOPEK

The pandemic and the process of overcoming its effects will be a significant focus of the Polish Presidency. It will permeate many areas and aspects regarding the decisions yet to be made. Hence the motto: ‘Back on track’. The main task imposed by the crisis is a return to the path of rapid and sustainable development. This is reflected in the objectives of the Polish presidency; of which, one being the “return to normalcy” but with/through an increased emphasis on health and science. It is broadly accepted that the coming year will be a time to recover from the crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed upon the EU and its Member States, particularly within the socio-economic realm. The pandemic has put the functioning of societies to a severe test. The response – medically, socially and economically – to this pandemic will have a major impact on the development of individual countries, regions, the EU and the world. It goes without saying that much of the Polish presidency in the V4 will concentrate on recovering from this pandemic. V4 countries will have to actively cooperate to bring socio-economic life back on track in the region and in the EU. Building the reputation of the Central European region and the V4 as a flexible, reliable and constructive partner remains an ongoing task. Therefore, constructive dialogue is essential in these difficult times while gestures of solidarity and goodwill are equally appreciated.

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Important tasks Three additional objectives continuing the activities undertaken by the V4 countries under previous presidencies are: 1. A strong V4 in a strong Europe 2. People-to-people contacts – It is important to point out that during the Polish Presidency of the Visegrád Group, key final decisions determining the size and structure of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027 will be made. These decisions will affect the Cohesion Policy and its implementation system. An important element of the Presidency will, therefore, be the coordination of V4 activities concerning MFF negotiations and the setting of the Cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policies. 3. Digital V4 – e-V4. Here, critical areas for the V4 include: • Digital issues regarding solutions for working from home • Artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity • Climate change • Inclusion of the EU gas market • Energy cooperation • Electric mobility, power generation and storage projects • The EU neighborhood policy • Cooperation with the V4's international partner organizations w w w . d t e u r o p e . c o m

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Other important tasks, in conjunction with the European Union, relate to the following problem areas: climate policy, migration policy, labor market in a situation changed by Covid-19, future of the EU integration, Brexit and its consequences, and the EU enlargement policy. From the V4's point of view, it is imperative to develop the closest possible transatlantic cooperation (initiative/agreement/treaty?). The Polish presidency will also give appropriate attention to regional cooperation in the Three Seas Initiative as a framework linking the V4, EU and transatlantic cooperation. Cooperation regarding security will be tantamount for the V4. This cooperation will concern the development of a coherent V4 position on key defense policy issues discussed at the NATO and EU fora.

V4 anniversaries Apart from the pandemic, another important agenda falling within the tenure of the Polish Presidency is the 30th anniversary of the Visegrád Group and the 20th anniversary of the Visegrád Fund's establishment. It is important to remember that the Visegrád Group was established on February 15th, 1991 in Visegrád, Hungary (originally titled the V3 as the Czech Republic and Slovakia were still united until January 1st, 1993). During the inauguration of the new political format, the host of the ceremony, Prime Minister József Antall, said: "We do not want to create an organization that would be an alternative to other European organizations. We are to exist and meet in parallel with other organizations, but coordinate our cooperation. In the West, we are not expected to act against them, but to move jointly and severally towards Europe. A good example for us can be the Pentagonale as an organization with a loose structure, whose goal is to develop cooperation between the Member States." The final resolutions referred to the fact, among others, that V3 is not a "closed regional structure", that it does not intend to expand its group, that its main goal will be "solving specific tasks, common problems". Of course, such a primary task was accession to the European Union and NATO. In the matter of accession, the rivalry of the V3 governments appeared almost immediately. During the meeting in Prague in May 1992, Antall asked quite a dramatic question at the time: "What unites us?" The answer was that both history and geography, as well as the transatlantic security system. The consistent conclusion was: "cooperation is in our mutual interest." Soon, however, the division of Czechoslovakia took place, the V4 stagnation deepened, all the more neither Klaus nor Meciar hid their negative attitude towards the Visegrád Group.

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One cannot keep silent that, apart from races to the Union and NATO, the V4 countries also competed in the economic sphere, for example by seeking foreign investors. It is assumed that the crisis covered the period 1994-1999, in which no meeting at the V4 summit took place.

Skepticism proved wrong Then came the return to closer cooperation. This was to some extent associated with accession to NATO and the emerging perspectives of V4 countries joining the European Union. In 2000, the only V4 institution up to that time was founded – the Visegrád Fund. However, after 2004, there were doubts and skepticism about the desirability of the continued existence of the Visegrád Group. Significant for these trends was the article by Géza Jeszenszky in 2007: "Should we forget about Visegrád?" Skeptical voices, at best skeptical about the lack of future or even V4 agony, have been very common since the mid-nineties. Such voices, not so ominous, but critical, are still spoken of today, despite the fact that in the last decade two important stimuli have appeared that are conducive to the consolidation of V4: the economic crisis in 2008 and especially the migration crisis in 2015. Closer cooperation began with a growing awareness of the importance of V4 both among Member States and externally. Along with subsequent joint speeches of the Visegrád Group on key issues and even those less important, the V4 brand strengthened, and the organization itself became increasingly independent of current political trends in the Member States (see current situation). There is also increasing resistance to external – and sometimes internal – attempts to destabilize V4, such as dividing Poland and Hungary, the

Czech Republic and Slovakia. Therefore, when discussing the format of "two nephews", we must always keep in mind the context of V4. PolishHungarian relations should deepen cohesion and harmony and strengthen synergies in the field of V4 activity. In turn, reflection on the status and future of the V4 should be accompanied by concern for its harmonious relations with the European Union. The bibliography of works on the Visegrád Group is, as we know, extremely abundant. The authors undertook all sorts of problems, highlighted various aspects of the formation's functioning, however, enormous redundancy goes hand in hand with the severe lack of publications relating to some fundamental issues., I would read with greatest interest, for example, a study on the relationships between "horizontal structures": V4, the Three Seas, the Carpathian Strategy, the Eastern Partnership, the Bucharest Nine, and the Central European Initiative as well as the Slavkov Triangle and the Weimar Triangle. Systematic studies on coherence in the functioning – in various fields – of the Visegrád Group could be equally fascinating and have significant performative potential. For example, preparation and continuous updating of a detailed "road map" of the V4 industry and manufacturing in terms of their complementarity, the boundaries of "inevitable competitiveness," the possibility of cohesion in creating their own joint brands with an international and global dimension, the search for cohesion in trade within the Group and with EU and non-EU markets. We hope that the Polish Presidency, despite the fact that it has to be implemented in an exceptionally difficult period of the global pandemic, will contribute to strengthening and rationalizing cooperation within the V4 format.

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IN THIS SERIES, DIPLOMATS SHARE PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF THEIR EXPERIENCES ON “EXCURSIONS” into Hungarian culture, art, gastronomy & scenery.

MULTI-LEVEL BONDS

Leyden), mostly from Transylvania, which also converted to the Protestant faith and was liberal from a church point of view. Hungarian scholars who studied in the Netherlands and returned from there later had a significant influence on the development of Hungarian higher education (primarily medical education), and so the academic relations that have lasted for hundreds of years still define our present.

RELATIONS BETWEEN THE NETHERLANDS AND HUNGARY DATE BACK FOR MANY CENTURIES

Dutch support in 1956

BY THE AMBASSADOR OF THE NETHERLANDS, RENÉ VAN HELL

Hungarian governor of the Netherlands When I say our common history dates back to centuries, I mean it. Perhaps the earliest highlight – half a millennium ago – could be Maria von Habsburg (1505-1558, also known as Maria of Hungary), Infanta of Castile, Archduchess of Austria, who married in 1522, in Buda, to King Louis II. The king later died in the Battle of Mohács in 1526. When Archduchess Margaret von Habsburg, Royal Governor-General of the Netherlands, died in November 1530, Emperor Charles V appointed his own sister, Maria, as the new governor (regent). The widow queen became governor in 1531, a position she held for almost 25 years. She managed the part of the country entrusted to her with ambition. She consolidated the centralized administration of the 17 provinces, developed trade and the building of roads. Under her rule, Antwerp developed into the largest port city in Europe. She generously

supported crafts and the arts. She expanded her palace in Brussels with a gallery wing for her collection of paintings, and invited renowned painters to her court, including Titian of Venice.

Hungarian slaves rescued Let me also commemorate Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, and the Hungarian galley slaves he liberated. The Reformation, which began in the 16th century, and the Catholic counterReformation launched in response to it, claimed many lives throughout the centuries. Before the time of religious tolerance, vandalism of other denominations, churches, torture, imprisonment, and even mob law and executions were common. Similar events also happened in Bratislava, where the local court imprisoned and tortured hundreds of Protestant pastors and teachers for their denomination. Many of them refused to give up their religious beliefs, which is why approximately 40 preachers were taken to Italy for galley captivity. The news of the scandal also reached the Protestant-majority Netherlands, where the Parliament commissioned Admiral Michiel de Ruyter who at that time was fighting against the French in the Mediterranean to release the prisoners. On February 11, 1676,

the Admiral arrived with his fleet at the bay of Naples, and the Viceroy of Naples immediately released the 26 surviving prisoners. They were transported by the Admiral to the Netherlands, and returned home later. The memory of this gesture and the list of liberated prisoners’ names are preserved in the monument erected in Debrecen in 1895. It was laid a wreath in 1991 by Pope John Paul II, who also apologized for the past grievances caused by the Catholic Church. Over the years, the monument has become one of the symbols of Dutch-Hungarian ecclesiastical relations, where every year church leaders and university students commemorate the galley slaves and their liberator from the Netherlands. Furthermore, a silver wreath hangs above De Ruyter`s crypt at the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Amsterdam as Hungarians` gratitude.

Royal visits In October 1986, the royal couple visited Budapest upon the invitation of the Hungarian side. Accompanied by the Hungarian delegation, Queen Beatrix and her husband, Prince Claus, visited the main sights of the capital including the National Gallery in the Buda Castle, walked along Váci Street, and also saw the Holy Crown at the National Museum. It took only ten years to complete the second visit, in May 1996. The royal couple visited the Hungarian State Opera, the Agricultural Research Institute and the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music. However, the first visit after the regime change was way more than a diplomatic protocol event. The meeting focused on the integration of the Eastern Bloc countries and minority policy. The Queen was accompanied by a business delegation to discuss the Netherlands-Hungarian economic relations and investment opportunities.

Hungarian scholars One of the finest examples to our educational and cultural cooperation took place during the 17th and 18th centuries, when numerous Hungarian students were studying in the Netherlands. The Hungarian students` mass ‘pilgrimage’ was aimed primarily at DutchNL Protestant universities (Franeker, Groningen, Utrecht,

Children’s Trains I have saved for last an example from the early 20th century because its volume and messages probably make it the strongest historical bond between us. A grand-scale charitable campaign – known as the Children`s Trains – began in western Europe in 1920, aimed at orphaned, traumatized and undernourished Hungarian children, which went on for years. More than 60,000 children were hosted by families – most of them in the Netherlands and Belgium – for months or even years, and one-tenth of them even stayed for good. After 1920, the economicpolitical-cultural relations became more dynamic, and the memory of this grand-scale humanitarian program is still being cherished by thousands of Netherlands and Hungarian families, who are still in regular contact with one another. It will for long remind us of the importance of humanism, solidarity and European cooperation.

Hungarian children leaving for the Netherlands by children's train at the Keleti railway station. Collection: BTM-Kiscelli Museum. Inv. No.: 13156-28

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AAD MEIJER/EMBASSY OF THE NETHERLANDS, BTM-KISCELLI MUSEUM

This year marks the 100th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between the Netherlands and Hungary, and so, it is an excellent occasion to enlist examples in history that make up a multi-level bond between the two countries and the two peoples.

After the 1956 uprising, ca. 4.000 Hungarian refugees arrived in the Netherlands, and Queen Julianna delivered a warm-hearted radio message to them on 15th November. During the weeks of the freedom fight, solidarity was expressed at demonstrations in Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. When the uprising was defeated, locals in Amsterdam tore off the street sign of Stalinlaan and renamed the street as Vrijheidslaan (‘Freedom Street’). The Royal Archives in The Hague has a revolutionary flag from 1956, which was handed over by the refugees to the Queen, and a plaque in Vrijheidslaan was unveiled on the 50th anniversary of the uprising in 2006.

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LE A K S

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business

FACING UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES COVID-19 IMPACT ON THE BANKS OF THE CEE REGION

Fortunately, a strong banking sector in Central and Eastern Europe faced the constraints of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, there is a lot of uncertainty about the long-term outlook. A regional survey by the consulting firm Deloitte researched how financial institutions see their own future.

management directors shared their experiences and expectations. In addition, Deloitte has asked debt purchase companies investing in non-performing loans to share their views on current and future developments.

“It has been several months since the start of the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus epidemic. During this period, most financial institutions have faced and continue to face unprecedented challenges. Banks have to reckon with an increase in default rates, and consequently an increase in lending losses. At the same time, due to the slowdown in economic activity, interest, commission and fee income may also fall,” according to Albert Márton, Head of Deloitte's Regional Portfolio Management Services Division. In order to map the challenges facing the banking sector as accurately as possible, Deloitte's Financial Advisory Team conducted a questionnaire survey of 12 countries in the Central and Eastern European region, focusing on economic growth, lending dynamics, non-performing loan portfolios (‘NPLs’) and NPL transaction activity and the areas of restructuring and receivables management. In the survey, a total of 69 bank risk management managers and receivables

Lessons from 2008-2009 One of the conclusions drawn from answers in the survey is that following the global economic crisis of 2008-2009, asset quality improved significantly in the banking sector in the Central and Eastern European region. Financial institutions have built up capital reserves and strengthened their liquidity positions. As a result, at the start of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, banks in the CEE region faced new challenges in a stronger position than in the 2008-2009 financial crisis. The stable macroeconomic environment of the past few years, regulatory and policy attention, and banks' risk mitigation efforts have all contributed to the gradual decline in nonperforming loans. These years have required banks to improve the management of problem or non-performing loans and to develop best practices, as well as to prevent the recovery of non-performing portfolios.

SPACE TECHNOLOGY, CYBER SECURITY, DIGITAL HEALTHCARE FINANCE MINISTER MIHÁLY VARGA IS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE HBLF ECONOMIC SUMMIT Innovation, cyber security, the digital economy and healthcare will be among the topics discussed at the economic summit of the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum at the end of October.

At the Summit, we can listen to the most innovative international and domestic good practices from the leading figures of the Hungarian economy, industry and healthcare. The online meeting will also provide an opportunity for international experts to join: Eugene Kaspersky, a cyber security expert from Moscow; Dr. Norbert Tihanyi, a cryptography researcher from Abu Dhabi; economic and geopolitical experts Dr. Zoltán Cséfalvay from Spain and Raffaella Tenconi from Italy. Speakers will talk about the new Hungarian satellite, ethical hacking, the legal certainty of digitization and its effects on health.

Former member of the Hungarian Constitutional Court, Prof. Dr. István Stumpf will give a lecture entitled ‘COVID-19 and Legal Security”; legal expert Dr. Virág Poór shares her experience on the legal aspects of the technological applications of COVID-19 contact research; while Dr. Andrea Ficzere, President of the Hungarian Hospital Association, shares her experience on the technological aspects of the pandemic, telemedicine and epidemic control. At HBLF’s annual conference, the economic and financial elite discuss the most pressing issues. In recent years, there was a discussion about Brexit, the challenges of the Hungarian and international economy, innovation developments, the challenges of artificial intelligence and of other new technologies. The language of the conference is Hungarian and (in some cases) English. More information: https://penzugyicsucs.com Pergel Zita – zita.pergel@hblf.hu

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Minister of Finance Mihály Varga; the founder of the investment services firm Concorde Co. Ltd., György Jaksity; Hungarian National Bank (MNB) Vice President Barnabás Virág and MKB Bank Director András Bácsfalvi will be among the speakers at the Global Digital Summit, a unique economic conference by the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum (HBLF). In addition to the global economic, geopolitical and innovation effects of COVID-19, the experts will also examine the impact of space technology, cyber security and digitization on legal certainty and health care.

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culture

GEESE, WINE AND A SAINT MARTIN DAY CELEBRATIONS

The double identity of a Roman soldier The yet to be canonized Martin was born in 316 as a son of a Roman tribunus somewhere near today's Szombathely (Savaria), later, at his father's request, he became a soldier in the legion. He excelled not only through his valor but also through his goodness and his compassion towards the ill and poor. According to legend, one winter he caught sight of a beggar shivering by the city-gates of Amiens and he pitied him so much that he cleft his cloak and gave one half to the needy poor. The following night Jesus Christ appeared in his dream revealing he was that beggar and it was him Martin helped. Following this vision, Martin decided to be baptized at the age of eighteen. He left the army when he was twenty and joined Hilarius, bishop of Poitiers, who soon chose him to be a smaller decorum of the Church and commissioned him to spread Christianity. In about 371 the people and the clergy appointed him to be the bishop of Tours. When he heard the news of being nominated for this position, in his great humbleness he hid himself in a geese hutch from the deputy coming for him. However, the poultry made a huge noise by their gaggling and fluttering, revealing his cover. Finally, Martin resigned himself to the public will and, due to the geese's intervention; he accepted the position as a bishop. He is believed to be a convincing and trustworthy clergyman who led a strict, self-denying life. He had the first Christian chapel of the town built, and, as tradition has it, his philanthropy, goodness, clemency, simplicity, justice and eloquence made him extremely popular. He died in Candes, near to Tours, sometime between 397 and 401. When canonized, he became the patron of soldiers, travelers, captives, prisoners, peasants and shepherds and turned out to be the most popular saint of the Middle Ages. Following his death, the cult surrounding him spread like a storm in the Christian provinces of Europe, thus in Pannonia as well. His memory is kept in place-names, prayers and altar-pieces, and today, festivals and museum programs are also focusing on Saint Martin.

DID YOU KNOW?

Via Sancti Martini / Saint Martin's Way

In 2005, in order to present the outstanding monuments of the life and cult of Europe’s most popular saint, the road leading from Szombathely to Tours was declared an European Cultural Itinerary by the Council of Europe. We suggest you choose a short version of the thematic tour, staying int he vicinity of Szombathely. The so-called Saint Martin Historical Walking Route starts from the local Calvary Church and leads to St Martin Church. It has been designed to revisit the venues related to Szombathely’s Early Christian traditions. The works of art presented at each of the stations along the route help us remember particular episodes from St Martin’s life. www.viasanctimartini.hu/en

Calvary Church, Martineum

Tamás Somogyi’s work: ‘Martin, the catechumen dressing me.’ Bronze reliefs on the wall of the former Carmelite chapel depict when Martin shares his cloak and a dream had by Saint Martin.

On the site of the ancient theatre

‘He was flogged in public and driven from the town.’ László Koller’s work depicts the death sentence of Saint Quirinus and St Martin’s flogging.

Bridge over the Perint Brook – St Quirinus memorial

‘He was thrown into the fast flowing River Sibaris ...’ The memorial plaque was made by sculptor Endre András Tornay, while the work on the rail of the bridge (Bronze Episcopal belt) was made by Gábor Veres to commemorate the martyrdom of Saint Quirinus. The bishop was thrown into the river on this spot with a millstone at his neck.

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Cathedral, Seminary and Bishop’s palace

The first Bishop of the Szombathely Episcopacy, János Szily, chooses St Martin and Saint Quirinus to be the town’s patron saints. The depictions of both saints are on display in the chapels of the Seminary, in the Cathedral and also in the rooms of the Bishop’s Palace. The Cathedral also boasts Saint Martin’s relic given to Szombathely by the Archbishop of Tours in 1913.

Savaria Square

‘Bishop Martin handed his clothes to a begger’ – László Koller’s work. The former town gate was in the vicinity. Locals walked through this gate on their way to St Martin’s Church and to the adjacent cemetery.

Savaria Museum

Legend has it that Martin hid himself amidst a gaggle of geese in fear of being elected bishop. He was given away by the cackling and he had no other choice but accept the nomination. The most precious relics found

in ancient Savaria are on display at the lapidary of Savaria Museum. Several exhibits prove the presence of an Early Christian population in the 4th and 5th century AD.

St Martin Church, St Martin Visitor Centre, St Martin Cemetery, St Martin Well.

‘HIC NATUS EST S. MARTINUS – here was born St Martin.’ Beneath the church, there is thought to have been a Roman cultic construction, while the church chapel may have been erected above St Martin’s birthplace. The Saint Martin Visitors’ Centre is open to the public in the Presbytery next to the church. The well standing in front of Szombathely’s present-day Saint Martin’s Church depicts when Martin, on his return to Savaria, baptized his mother. Saint Martin Cemetery is one of Hungary’s oldest cemeteries, which was used as a burial ground for over 2,000 years without interruption. During Roman times it was the graveyard used by the local early Christian community. O C T O B E R

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STOPS ALONG THE ROUTE:

On November 11, churches pay tribute to Saint Martin’s activities, and folk traditions are revived. Martin’s day is the first day of winter, when new wine is tasted, “Martin geese” are killed, and the chest-bones of poultry are used to forecast the weather. The cult of St Martin in Szombathely is ever stronger, and celebratory events include different programs such as religious meetings, processions with lanterns, dance evenings, concerts, lectures and exhibitions. Szombathely’s restaurants await their guests with gastronomic specialties with abundant goose-dishes being listed on the menu. All over Europe, people light devotional candles in the workshops around November 11 because of the early nightfall; this is where the idea of the lantern-lit procession originates from, a custom revived in Szombathely in 2000. After a festive ceremony held in the Cathedral, the procession makes its way to St Martin church, traditionally led by soldiers of the Savaria Legion dressed in Roman military uniforms. Besides the wreathing of Saint Martin’s statue and the holy mass, the town council confers its major honors on the selected ones at a ceremonial event on Martin’s day. The Great Saint Martin Day Fair has been organized during the first weekend of November, organized in Szombathely’s Village Museum. The fair is attended by vendors from all over Hungary, all selling high quality, most typically handmade products. On the great stage of the village museum people can see ethnographic and folklore programs including comedies and various musical performances typical of fairs; and, in each year, a community bearing Saint Martin’s name is invited to the festivities. The fair is made even more atmospheric by the stalls selling pies, roast chestnut and goose dishes as well as different drinks including top quality wines. The Open Air Museum (Skanzen) in Szentendre also plans to organize its annual Saint Martin's Day New Wine and Goose Festival on November 7-8, offering gastro and cultural programs. Organizers encourage visitors to check the museum’s website for COVID-19 updates: “At the moment it seems we’ll be able to present this season-closing fest, which can be a perfect outdoor family program,” they say.

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Where to go to enjoy these, and to learn more on Saint Martin?

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culture

THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO EXPERIENCE EMOTIONS MUSIC MUST BE RICH IN CONTENT AND MUST COMMUNICATE IT TO PEOPLE

In the August edition of Diplomacy&Trade, we carried an interview with Placido Domingo Jr. who was working on the main theme for the Hungarian-developed classical music TV show ‘Virtuosos’ in Budapest. The theme has been orchestrated by Brazilian maestro Sergio Kuhlmann. This time, it is the maestro who talks about the joint project as well as his music career.

Music is power In Brazil, Sergio Kuhlmann served 12 years as opera maestro in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Twenty years ago, he was the driving force behind the ‘Brasil Instrumental’ project, a traveling ensemble disseminating Brazilian instrumental music of popular, classical and folk genres. When explaining how much he believes it is the responsibility of musicians like himself to make the wider public know about music as much possible, the maestro says that “through music one can convey two very, very important things: one is power, the ability to communicate well and the other very important thing – equally important – is that music has very good content. We can have works that are very rich in content, but do not communicate to the public, and there are other pieces that quickly establish a connection with the public, but are void of content, something that is called ‘music with programmed obsolescence’. What we are looking for is art, true art where the public can enjoy the content of a work so that content communication becomes possible.” In his experience, as an orchestra conductor and also as a participant in the ‘Brazil Instrumental’ project, he has always been trying to make sure that the music reaches the public in a very spontaneous, direct, and enriching way. “It is because the artist's mission has to be to contribute something to the public. Because the public needs to experience emotions, receive new information, get to know new things and art, not only music, is the way to connect directly with the public, irrespective of language, race or culture. I have played music for audiences in Japan, China, Russia, the most different cultures and they understood emotion perfectly. Therefore, all the programs in which there is music with emotion and communication in it helped achieve total success,” he concludes.

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DÁVID HARANGOZÓ

Just like Placido Doming Jr., Sergio Kuhlmann began to study music at a very early age. “I started learning piano with my mother. For me, it was very, very important that I had a family environment that was favorable to music. I have an older sister who plays the piano, too. I saw her learning and one day I asked my mother: ‘Do you teach me to play the piano?’ At that time, I was only five years old,” he tells Diplomacy&Trade. When it comes to the question whether it is easy or demanding to work with Placido Doming Jr., Sergio Kuhlmann says “it is easy but it also requires a lot of responsibility. From the moment we have an idea, a project, it is very important to discuss it, to make it very clear how we both see it, how will be the best way to do it. So, it's a job, it's an activity that needs a lot of conversation and

understanding, to find the best solution. We are in constant contact to define the best possibilities in terms of music and ideas. The piece composed by Placido is going to be a very wonderful one.”

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WORLD PRESS PHOTO 2020

UNTIL OCTOBER 25, HUNGARIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

People chant slogans as a young man recites a poem, illuminated by mobile phones, before the opposition's direct dialog with people in Khartoum on June 19, 2019. - People chanted slogans including "revolution" and "civil" as the young man recited a poem about revolution. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP)

In its 63rd year, the World Press Photo exhibition is the most significant travelling exhibition dedicated entirely to photojournalism. Annually, these exhibitions attract up to 5 million people worldwide in some 50 different countries. Some locations of the 2020 worldwide tour, however, have been postponed due to the global situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and the World Press Photo Foundation’s annual Awards Show and Festival have been cancelled. “The need for visual journalism we can trust has never been greater. We believe in the power of showing and the importance of seeing high-quality visual stories, and we’ll keep on working hard to fulfil our mission: connecting the world to the stories that matter,” the jury’s message reads. To select the winners of the 2020 contest, the jury reviewed 73,996 photographs. The photos were submitted in nine categories, such as Contemporary issues, Environment, General news, Long-term projects, Nature, Portraits, Sports, Spot news, and the newest headline category introduced in 2019: Story of the year. 4,282 photographers competed from 125 countries, from whom 44 photographers were awarded, including Hungarian photographer Esther Horvath, for her photo titled ‘Polar Bear and her Cub’. Shot for The New York Times on October 10, 2019, the photo shows a polar bear and her cub come close to equipment placed by scientists from Polarstern, a ship that is part of a scientific expedition investigating the consequences of Arctic climate change, in the central Arctic Ocean. Top honors, the ‘World Press Photo of the Year’ went to Japanese photographer Yasuyoshi Chiba for his image ‘Straight Voice,’ of a young man, illuminated by mobile phones, reciting protest poetry while demonstrators chant slogans calling for civilian rule, during a blackout in Khartoum, Sudan, on June 19, 2019. Complete with several accompanying exhibitions and side events such as ‘Mobile Photos,’ and ‘Digital Storytelling Documentaries video screenings,’ the month-long show closes on October 25. www.mnm.hu

A NEW WORLD WAS BORN

PERMANENT EXHIBITION, VÁRKERT BAZÁR (CASTLE GARDEN), SOUTHERN PALACES This exhibition guides visitors from the belle époque through wartime enthusiasm to bitter disillusionment on over 2,000 square meters. The exhibition brings the horrors of war closer to the spectators of today with the help of exceptional visual devices. www.varkertbazar.hu

SIMPLY RED: BLUE EYED TOUR DECEMBER 1, 2021,

BUDAPEST ARENA Simply Red is an English soul-pop band from Manchester, currently consisting of frontman and songwriter Mick Hucknall, alongside Ian Kirkham, Dave Clayton, Kenji Suzuki, Kevin Robinson, Steve Lewinson and Pete Lewinson. Formed in 1985, the band is known for songs such as Angel, Fairground, Holding Back The Years, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, and The Air That I Breathe, among many others. They've sold over 50 million albums worldwide and picked up many an award, including two consecutive BRITs for Best British Group. After a brief hiatus, Simply Red returned in 2019 with a new album, 'Blue Eyed Soul'.

KEEPING THE BALANCE: WORKS FROM THE ART COLLECTION TELEKOM UNTIL NOVEMBER 22, LUDWIG MUSEUM

How can we find and keep the balance in a complex, contradictory and often conflict-laden reality? The question in the focus of the exhibition at once implies hope and formulates a statement that artistic discourse and confrontation can provoke thoughts and convey experiences which are specifically helpful in finding this balance. To keep the balance, it is important to distinguish contradictions in urging issues, truth from lies, important things from insignificant ones to make smart and well-founded decisions. Art can and does make this possible. The concept of the exhibition was developed by the curators back in 2019. Since then the world has lost its former balance. The fragility of life has become omnipresent, even in welfare states. The economy, healthcare and social systems, the cohesion between the nations of Europe are in deep crisis, and so are social relations and personal freedom. The world has to regain its balance once again, which also entails a kind of fresh start. Now, there is the opportunity not to repeat the same mistakes, to dare to seek and employ new models for our coexistence with the planet. Eastern European artists have recently experienced the sweeping transformation of socialist-communist dictatorships. They were involved in the transition to free market economy, and often had to succumb to unrestrained capitalism as well. They witnessed revolutions, wars, irresponsible economy and poverty, and they also often saw the dreams of their parents shatter. This sensitivity and attention can be recognized in their works. Artists from this cultural scene reflect on social changes and the challenges to which we all must respond. They react sensitively to today’s problems and pressing issues. Without giving definitive answers, they point out the necessity of bringing new balance to a world that has become even more contradictory and complex than before and thus will no longer tolerate simple solutions. The works also directly address such situations of inequality that need to be resolved even more urgently than a year ago. Still, they convey hope and faith, radiate humor and joy. They are living proof of the fact that human creativity is capable of counterbalancing the difficulties of reality.

www.ludwigmuseum.hu

YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, LIVE NATION, GUNTER LEPKOWSKI/LEPKOWSKI STUDIOS, ISTVÁN GYARMATI, THEO O. KRATH

www.livenation.hu

LAST CHANCE TO SEE TUTANKHAMUN – MYSTERY AND TREASURES UNTIL OCTOBER 31, KOMPLEX

BILLIE EILISH: WHERE DO WE GO? THE LIVESTREAM OCTOBER 25, ONLINE

Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell is an American singersongwriter. She first gained attention in 2015 when she uploaded the song ‘Ocean Eyes’ to SoundCloud. The song was written and produced by her brother Finneas, with whom she collaborates on music and live shows. Her debut EP, ‘Don’t Smile at Me’ (2017), became an instant hit, reaching the top 15 in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Eilish’s debut studio album titled ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’ (2019) debuted atop the Billboard 200 and became the best-performing album of 2019 in the US. In 2020, she performed the theme song ’No Time to Die’ for the James Bond film of the same name, which became her first to peak at number one in the UK. Her accolades include five Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, and two Guiness World Records. She is the youngest person and second person ever to win the four main Grammy categories: Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year – in the same year. In 2019, Time magazine placed her on their inaugural ‘Time 100 Next’ list. Additionally, Eilish is the 23rd biggest artist of the digital singles era, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, selling 37.5 million singles in the US alone. With #TogetherApart, LiveNation presents a series of events, streamed live, online, encouraging fans to track their favorite artists, and never miss a show, while staying home.

Travel back in time and discover the life of the cursed Pharaoh! ‘Tutankhamun – Mystery and Treasures’ is a traveling exhibition that has been viewed by more than 6 million people in Zurich, Dublin, Brussels, Madrid, Seoul and Paris. “I see beautiful things!” exclaimed British archaeologist Howard Carter as he lit a candle through a small hole in the forepart of the Pharaoh's tomb. The Pharaoh, had been dead for more than 3,000 years when Carter made an archaeological discovery that is unmatched to this day. He found a completely undamaged tomb of a Pharaoh with all his treasures. Almost 100 years after the sensational exploration, the ‘Tutankhamun – Mystery and Treasures’ exhibition presents the story of the discovery in a unique way, on 2,000 m2 showcasing over 1,000 objects, graphics and videos. “For the first time since the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, this is an exhibition that allows people to rediscover treasures and funerary items in the exact layout as they were found in 1922,” reveals Dr Wilfried Seipel, Egyptologist and former director of the Vienna Museum of Fine Arts.

www.tut-kiallitas.hu

photo by

www.livenation.hu

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A WINE NAMED AFTER LOESS

wine

NOVELTY FROM VIDA WINERY

The Szekszárd-based Vida Winery has launched a new red this fall that highlights the main soil type of the region, loess. The reason why the Vida Family decided to name their wine after loess is because it has a major influence on the style of Szekszárd wines. In the world of wine it is a widely accepted view that the character of a wine is strongly determined by the conditions the grapes are exposed to during their growth and ripening process. A region’s microclimate, topography and the composition of its soil are the most important factors in determining the style of a wine, a winery and overall that of a wine region. Loess is an important soil type in many leading wine regions of the world. It is the major soil type of the Rhône Valley in France, several regions along the Rhein in Germany, Wagram in Austria, Central Otago in New-Zeland and of course, Szekszárd in Hungary. Loess is a loosely packed soil type, therefore its water retention capacity resembles that of sponges. Stored water is gradually released which is a benefit for vine plants. Because of its loosely packed nature the amount of air it contains is relatively high and that is vital for healthy soil life and great for vine roots. Experts claim that wines coming from loess soils are typically expressive with fruity, floral aromas, round acidity and tannins. They don’t need particularly long ageing; even the more serious, weightier wines give full pleasure at a relatively young age. “It’s been a few years now that we decided to concentrate our efforts on producing wines which are elegant and inviting

and at the same time authentic expressions of the terroirs in the Szekszárd valleys. All this is based on loess. So having completed the blending of our new top red we made the decision to honor loess in the name as well,” said Péter Vida Jr. who is in charge of the winery’s product range. This classy red blend is mainly aimed at restaurants and specialized wine retailers. The Vida Family believes that this new wine is a follow-up to last year’s image update and will assist in popularizing Szekszárd wines and telling their story. ‘Lösz’ is an important milestone in this story. “I don’t know why but ever since my childhood I’ve been attracted to soil, to ‘terra benedicta.’ I have often noticed that, for some reason, I simply enjoy crumbling soil,” said Péter Vida Sr., the founder and winemaker of the winery hinting at a personal motivation in connection with the new wine.

LÖSZ, THE BLESSED SOIL. „I don’t know why but I have been attracted by land – terra benedicta –since my childhood. Many times I simply enjoy myself crumbling lumps of earth.” This exceptional blend represents the richly fertile loess soil of the Szekszard valleys.

WINEGLASS COMMUNICATION

Fruit driven, charming wine with rounded tannins. Endless elegance

photo by

Vida Family Wine Estate | Napfény St. 27/A, H-7100 Szekszárd | Phone/fax: +36 74 317 753 | e-mail: info@vidaborbirtok.hu | www.vidaborbirtok.hu

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