On Viennese Tradition, Legacy and Journey to Modernity

Preparing for an interview with Rupert Simoner, CEO Vienna House (formerly Vienna International), made me reflect on the past and brought my mind back to the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire when Vienna used to be the second largest Czech city in the Monarchy. It also made me reflect on the proximity and closeness of the Czechs and Austrians that I have experienced while working for the Diplomatic Academy Prague and closely co-operating with the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna.  However, after I became familiar with the current project of rebranding, characterised by the outburst of creativity and joyful communication, I realised there is no space for the sentiment of the past but on the contrary, time for enjoyment and zest for life. I felt quite invigorated discussing strategy, values, diversity and energy.

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Rupert Simoner, CEO, Vienna House.

Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG – in 2016 repositioned as Vienna House – looks back at more than 26 years of success, during which it has focused on building and expanding its portfolio of hotels in the three to five star segment. CEO Rupert Simoner is proud of the group and the vast hotel portfolio it has built up during its 26 years of existence. Currently, the group consists of 38 hotels, six in Czech Republic, four hotel lines and 2,200 employees operating in ten countries: from France to Russia, from Poland to Austria. They include the top tourist destinations such as Berlin, Prague, Pilsen, Carlsbad, Bucharest, Coburg, Krakow, Lodz, Munich, Neckarsulm, Trier, Disneyland® Paris and Bratislava.

Mr. Simoner, the current rebranding seems like a remarkable major change. What is the reason behind the change of Vienna International, in Prague perceived as an established brand, to Vienna House?

Currently, the hotel market is in a state of flux which is providing us with a number of challenges. Today’s guests have excellent access to the most up-to-date information. Their thinking and actions are global, local and mobile at the same time, and they have a steadily increasing selection of options to choose from.

At the same time, people’s understanding of value is undergoing a transformation. Traditional values such as luxury, in view of expensive status symbols, star categorisations and standards, are being replaced by personal, unique and, above all, one-of-a-kind experiences. People’s self-image has become more value-conscious than status-oriented.

Following the trend reports of the hotel industry and implementing these with a healthy dose of common sense gives rise to the following formula – living brand values together with acting from the guest’s perspective while keeping it simple.

As such, we have had to change the areas with regards to our corporate culture, restructure corporate divisions, reposition ourselves by developing and communicating a clear new brand architecture and last but not least redesign all hotel divisions and realign standards to guests’ requirements.

Hotel Angelo Prague

I see the statement “Values need to make sense from the inside out and be easy to understand” being very fundamental to any company. Nevertheless, from my experience working with teams, only few employees can recite values and even smaller amount can explain them. How will you make sure that your values will be thriving not surviving?

A new corporate culture only works when it is accepted and lived from the inside. All employees were informed about the development steps in the beginning and have been kept up-to-date with regular news from myself and my management board colleagues, hotel directors and direct management in open feedback discussions. National and international workshops provided additional support for the process.

It is essential that values make sense from the inside out, be easy to understand and easily implemented into our working life which means that they must be lived from above. We took this decision together and we continue to work on what this means for each individual.

We developed a “roadmap” for our new self-image of Vienna House which translates our core values into daily actions and in a simple and understandable way explains what optimal guest feedback, employee conduct, work environment and management understanding look like at Vienna House.

When rebranding takes place, it is often the case that regions are lagging behind headquarters but Prague is not that far from Vienna. What specific plans do you have for the Czech Republic? What can clients look forward to?

We are a hotel group and hotels are the heart of our business no matter what the location is. All our Czech hotels will be rebranded, so you will see Vienna House Diplomat, andel’s by Vienna Prague, angelo by Vienna House Prague, Vienna House Easy Chopin Prague, angelo by Vienna House Pilsen and Vienna House Dvorak Karlovy Vary.

The most significant changes will be applied step by step and affect the following areas.  Hotel staff in new uniforms will have very broad freedom of action. Open lobby with a living-room or lounge atmosphere will allow for the work-life blend trend since this is where business and leisure meet so you will see co-working areas, lounge corners, an integrated bar and a free-standing reception.

Current trends in mobility will be facilitated by bicycle stations, electric car charging points and car-pool stations.

The use of new techniques and technologies true to the motto of “simple and intelligent”, such as charging points on all tables, USB ports in all rooms and web. Last but not least, the trend of (g)localisation will be seen in new individual bar and restaurant concepts that will serve also local specialities matching the region were the hotel is located.

Hotel Dvořák Carlsbad

I was surprised about the digital shift and the impact that it makes on the hotel industry.  You have already mentioned several services making use of ICT, such as mobile check-in and check-out, mobile concierge services, USB ports, free high-speed Wi-Fi and other services.  Besides digitalisation, are there any other trends in the hotel industry that you see emerging?

There are several micro trends which of course affect lifestyle movements, such as sustainability and corporate social responsibility. In some areas – especially in the service and hotel industry, we can observe that people wish to have personal contacts instead of machines.

Further, there is a trend to concentrate on simple but quality things. More and more European travellers are sensitive to the environmental issues and therefore they are trying to live and also travel in an eco-friendly way.

And one attitude can be seen through many levels: buying moments instead of buying things is getting more and more important in our world as everything happens faster and faster.

The next concept we are both passionate about is diversity. You understand it in quite broad definition, not only acknowledging the diversity of the different hotels with all their regional tastes and peculiarities but also diversity of staff and members. How do you deal with diversity of talent and who are your target employees? Many companies now try to target women or young people. What is your approach?

Hospitality is about exploring, being curious and it is about people. It is a great place for people where they grow and shine and where they feel the whole world belongs to them. On one hand, Vienna House offers a niche between small private hotels and large – perhaps more anonymous – chain hotels. This may provide an opportunity for many. We offer international career paths our hotels and broad experience opportunities in our hotels. On the other hand, we have established ourselves as personal and direct. Employees can be themselves, they don’t have to pretend anything and feel like they are wearing a mask. We offer proper training programmes, promotions and a personal work environment.

Thanks to the Vienna House Academy, the HR division provides extensive new training and development programmes for all company employees. These include: Executive Development 360°, cooperation with 20 universities in 12 countries, a global departmental trainer structure and introduction of the Victor Leadership Development Programme for specifically developing young leaders.

Breakfast Buffet

I have valued? (aluded to, spoken about?) to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its legacy several times. According to experts on Czech-Austrian relations, both nations tend to be quite similar and that might be irritating. How do you personally view Czech-Austrian current political, business and interpersonal relations?

Why irritating? As you mentioned, we share big parts of history, we have many things in common. The same is true about food. I love Czech beer and so do many Austrians. The Czechs as well as the Austrians are very hospitable. So on the cultural level there is a huge similarity that makes approaching both nations easy. Moreover, this good common understanding affects political, business as well as interpersonal Czech-Austrian relations in a positive way.

Mr. Simoner, you are always smiling, are in a good mood and positive. To me, you are a perfect example of the new approach to work-life blend rather than work-time management. Can you share some secrets of time and energy management with us?

Work-life balance is important to me and so I also make sure that my team members have time for their families, friends, hobbies and sports. I strongly believe that people are much more efficient if they have also a private life. Therefore, I trust them and I can fully rely on my employees. This makes my time and energy management possible.

Your creative campaign has inspired my imagination and made me think outside the box. Instead of the typical question what your final words for Czech and Slovak Leaders are, I will ask if there is a question that you wanted to answer but no journalist has ever asked?

I can’t think of one single questions I was never asked – but I like your last question very much.

By Linda Štucbartová

“Flying the African flag in Prague.”

In this first interview in our Around Africa Series, Martha Ronke Ayorinde, a Nigerian by origin but who now describes herself as Afro-Czech, talks about her life and times in the Czech Republic and how she is contributing to the economic development of the country.

How old are you?

I am 43 years old

When did you arrive in the Czech Republic and what brought you here?

I came here in 2000. The reason that brought me here was to stay with my mother, Her Excellency Julie Joke Ayorinde, who was then the Nigerian Ambassador to the Czech Republic. When her term ended as ambassador, I decided to stay here, on my own.

How did you manage to adjust to your new environment without speaking the Czech language in the beginning, and what is one of your most unforgettable first impressions?

Without speaking the Czech language, it was very difficult for me in the beginning as everything was in Czech. But once I made up my mind to stay, I prepared myself to face the challenge and adapt quickly. One of the funniest and embarrassing moments still on my mind was when I started living here I did not know much about Czech cuisine so it was difficult for me to shop and cook. In trying to find a way out, I came to like a particular Czech bread because the taste was similar to a bread that I liked back in Nigeria. Fortunately, close to our residence in Prague was a shop where I used to buy this bread.

One day I went to the shop and the bread was not at the usual place on the shelf. In Czech the bread is called babovka, but while enquiring from the shopkeeper, I mispronounced it and said I wanted babicka which in Czech means grandma. Of course he did not understand me until I went out to call the driver of my mother who was a Czech to come and explain what I wanted. In the end we all laughed over it but it was a good lesson and it is still on my mind to this day.

What is your profession or occupation and are you working in your field of trade or studies or doing something different?

I am a trained beautician but I am now working as a hairdresser and a consultant for hair and make-up.

Do you feel at home here in the Czech Republic and do you still have links with family and friends in your country of origin?

Please remember I arrived in my youthful years so I grew up partly here. Now I have a business here and have some peace and stability. My first child, a 3-year-old girl, was born here. Yes I feel at home here. I see the Czech Republic as my home and Nigeria as my home too. Yes I still have good contacts with my family and some friends back home in Nigeria.

In what way through your work are you contributing to the socio-cultural and economic development of the Czech Republic and if possible your country of origin?

I have managed to set up this business, Mathas Inspiration and Hairdressing Saloon, and running it for more than 10 years now. The saloon gives me work and I also offer job opportunity and training to others. By paying taxes for myself and the business, and for the others who work for me, I am contributing to the economic development of this country. I provide employment opportunities to some Africans and that helps with their integration into the Czech society, and not only Africans because my accountant for example is a Czech. I guess this is something that most Africans living outside the continent for a long time have to deal, and come to terms, with.

I am also contributing to the enrichment of the multicultural environment with an ethnic business that caters for both Africans and Czechs and any other person who needs it. For example, I play a useful role in providing counselling and services to parents and children from bi-racial families as to which cosmetics are suitable for them. Yes, I also have a hairdressing saloon in Nigeria but that is very small compared to what I have in Prague.

How do you see yourself – an African, Afro-Czech or a Czech?

Well my family and friends back home say that my mentality and way of doing things now have become like that of a Czech. My Czech friends with me here in many instances also see a real African in me. In that context, I can conveniently describe myself as an Afro-Czech.

“Even though some people may wish so, there is no danger the European Union would fall apart.”

According to Tomáš Prouza, the Czech Republic is a reliable and predictable member of the European Union. How does it make his work as the main liaison between the Czech government and Brussels easier? How, in his opinion, has Europe united regarding the migration crisis and what did the Czech Republic achieve in the EU within the last year? In the interview for Czech & Slovak Leaders, the State Secretary for European Affairs also comments on the date of possible adoption of a single European currency by the Czech Republic.

Dear Mr Prouza, on your webpage you present yourself as a “European, economist, and a bit different official”. Why is that?

The word “official” often evokes rigidness, lengthy procedures, and stereotypes. Although I am an official formally, I do not identify with such negative view. Especially in European politics I have to be really dynamic, I must be able to react to quick changes occurring in Europe; I need to keep contact with “Brussels” all the time, with my colleagues in other EU member states as well as the Czech Republic leaders.

Which apparently is happening…

Important part of my work is increasing awareness of the European Union and its significance for our country among the Czechs. That was underestimated by previous governments and since January 2014 when I joined the Office of Government, it has been my task to change this situation radically. Which you can´t do if people consider you a non-action and boring person sitting behind his desk.

What exactly does your work involve on a daily basis?

First of all, my task is to give the government recommendations regarding our strategy in European affairs. It means what major issues we should focus on in our European policy, what and how we should promote, and which direction we want to proceed. I am also responsible for coordinating Czech positions towards European institutions, I have to regularly communicate with my colleagues from other member states, which also means personal meetings as well and so a lot of travelling. However, frequent contacts have been the basis for successful Czech European policy in the last two years; our partners show us much more respect if we explain our position in person.

Can you give us some examples, please?

Regular contact helps the Czech Republic create coalitions thanks to which other member states support our plans. I would like to add that besides this diplomatic role, an important part of my work is communication on European issues to the public and a regular dialogue with our Parliament and Czech members of the European Parliament.

You mentioned regular contact. Do you mind that work of the State Secretary for European Affairs is not much discussed in media?

When it comes to the media, it of course matters what issues are currently popular. If domestic politics is discussed, Europe is put aside, which I personally feel sorry about as it is an evidence of the fact that our journalistic community still lacks perception of the scale of influence that EU affairs have on a domestic scene. When I took the position of the State Secretary for European Affairs, two months later we celebrated 10 years in the EU, which meant a big interest of journalists in interviews, conferences, and various discussion meetings around the country. Back then, I could not say that the media do not pay enough attention to the European agenda and my work. In the summer of 2014, I spent a lot of media time on explaining sanctions against Russia. For the last six months, a topic number one has been migration and refugee crisis. The issue which I am dealing with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in my office. European issues get more and more publicity, which is important.

What is other member states´ perception of the Czech approach to the migration crisis?

Due to the fact that Brussels was focusing mainly on the so-called relocation system at the beginning of the migration crisis, our position was not understood by some member states. Now, all-European approach is progressing in the same direction that the Czechs have been advocating since the very beginning – solving migration crisis at its roots and control of external Schengen borders.

What, in your opinion, makes the European Union most united these days?

What really has united European states in the course of the last months is their common reaction to tragic events in Paris last November. All member states condemned this unprecedented display of hatred and violence. Parisian attacks were directed at traditional European values and wanted to make them weaker; however, it has paradoxically united the old continent and we all started working on securing safer Europe in the quickest and most efficient way.

What on the other hand makes Europe most divided?

The European Union consists of sovereign states and in a democratic society it is natural that priorities differ; there are different opinions and views. I don´t think there is a topic that would absolutely divide the Union; there are topics which we view differently from our partners, however this does not bring any fatal consequences to the European Union as a whole. Even though some people may wish so, there is no danger the European Union would fall apart.

Are we able as a member state to keep up with changes in Europe? Are we reliable?

In the past, the image of the Czech Republic was one of a troublemaker obstructing progress in major European issues. However, this changed two years ago and the Czechs are a reliable and predictable member of the European Union now. This I am repeatedly assured about by our partners abroad. We are able to react to changes quickly, which was visible during migration crisis last time, when we repeatedly manifested our solidarity by accepting refugees in need, by increasing material and expert aid. However, at the same time, we clearly voiced up what is important for us – and now our opinion is being adopted by the whole Europe.

Does the Czech Republic have a clear idea of who should represent the main face of its foreign policy, and I don´t mean constitutionally?

Not looking at that from the point of view of the constitution, this should be a person with adequate knowledge and respect. Czech foreign policy is determined by the government. Responsibility goes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however in top meetings with foreign partners the main role is played by Prime Minister. And let me tell you that the cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fantastic. Our great advantage is that we have an active Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies since the role of parliamentarian diplomacy has been becoming stronger and stronger.

What would you like to mention as the main success of Czech politics in Brussels last year?

I don´t think it was just one success. I consider an important achievement for example adoption of all operational programmes, which means the Czech Republic is able to draw approximately 644 billion Czech Crowns from the European budget in a new programming period of 2014-2020. Following the ineffective drawing of European funds in past years, the situation has finally changed.

As far as you keep saying, it may also be the issue of migration and its solution.

After an unconvincing start it became clear later that a really effective way is to solve causes, not results. European leaders agreed on the approach that the Czech Republic has been supporting since the very beginning – protection of external Schengen borders without which we can never succeed in dealing with migration crisis. Towards the end of the last year, the European Commission also started their work on a draft of a single European border guard, i.e. a system which the Czech Prime Minister has been repeatedly talking about in the course of the last months. It is obvious that Czech voice is being heard in Europe.

Has there been any failure?

I don´t see any major failure in Europe. We could definitely get much better in explaining European affairs at home since the stereotypes inside some people´s heads persist, especially thanks to the support from many populists and half-forgotten politicians whose last chance is a “scarecrow of Brussels”.

Ten years ago you were the first ever national coordinator for Euro adoption in the CR. So, let me ask a clear question – will we ever have Euro in the Czech Republic at all?

Of course we will, although the decision about the entry is unfortunately not going to come within this election term. Nevertheless, the government makes efforts to prepare everything so that the next cabinet can decide about Euro adoption quickly and does not have to work on technical aspects anymore. Adoption of Euro will bring significant economic advantages to the Czech Republic; therefore we should act as quickly as possible.

Is the Czech Republic now building on the grounds you had set up in your position? What has actually been the biggest development for the ten years?

Previously, most of our governments were not in favour of our country´s entry into the Euro zone, which reflected their position towards European integration issues in general. Only this government stated in its programme declaration the purpose to re-evaluate existing standpoints towards monetary integration and to prepare the CR for joining the Euro zone, which is really happening now. So, the system which I had built up long ago starts coming to live again.

What do you feel is the main advantage of a single European currency in 2016?

Finalising the process of the Czech economy integration into European monetary structures. The Czech Republic will be able to fully participate in the formation of the economic and monetary union. All that will have a positive impact on our national economic policy because the key features of the system are enquiries of medium-term balanced public budgets and structural reforms supporting long-term economic growth. Irreversible fixing of currency will bring increased stability to the financial sector and decreased risks of monetary turbulences. Sharp exchange rate fluctuations represent a great risk for a small open economy such as ours. Eliminating exchange rate risk towards Euro zone countries, which are the most important trade partners for the Czech Republic, will bring profit especially to our companies. These advantages will become evident in the decrease of transaction and security costs as well as decrease of investment uncertainty. The household sector will profit from higher price transparency which stimulates competition.

What do you think is the main disadvantage of Euro – after the series of financial injections to some Euro zone countries?

From the point of view of the Czech Republic the main risks are connected especially to the reaction of economy to economic disruptions. For economic policy of the Czech Republic, the loss of independent monetary policy would mean loss of important tools which are able to help reduce negative impacts arising from different domestic and foreign economic development, and thus facilitate economic convergence. In connection to the recent development in the Euro zone, the system, created in the frames of the Euro zone as a help to the countries in need, i.e. providing so-called financial injections, is also essential. Of course, if the Czech Republic were a Euro zone member, it would have to participate in such system in a solidary way.

What benefits will a bank union bring to the Czech Republic?

Right now, the office of the government is analysing experience of other member countries with the bank union. I consider the main advantage of the bank union a possibility to become part of a stable system headed by a respected institution such as the European Central Bank. In addition, it is a possibility to influence creation of supervisory standards for financial institutions all over Europe. Entering the bank union would also mean our participation in a decision process of major credit institutions of the Euro zone as well as a possibility to access the funds from the Single Fund used for bank crises solutions.

Server Peníze.cz, consulting company Partners … you left your legacy in many places. Are you planning to return to a private sector in the future, where you had been successful?

I think it is important that I know life in both private as well as public sector. It gives me the ability to focus on important issues and be clear about what helps Czech companies and what on the contrary slows them down. Currently, I am not planning any change but I am open to anything interesting life will bring me next.

During the world financial crisis you worked for the World Bank. Have the priorities of the bank changed due to the crisis?

Quite substantially. First, now the World Bank is focusing much more on issues such as financial inclusion and high-quality financial market supervision but most importantly, the World Bank started to intensify focus on advisory activities and economic reforms support.

It has been more than ten years since the bank moved the Czech Republic from the group of developing countries among those of world economies. Have we succeeded?

For the time being yes, but let me use the words of a classic – we have to try harder. Bringing our economy closer to developed European economies stopped in past years as a result of restrictive economic policy of previous governments, the digital economy fast train is speeding away from us and we don´t know how to profit from smart Czech brains. Above all, however, we are not able to explain to people how well they are – economy is growing quickly, unemployment is at its minimum but people don´t seem to see this.

Mr Prouza, who do you consider a real leader?

Among current politicians it is Angela Merkel who at the time of crisis was able to give up her caution and bet everything on the fact that Germany is a country strong enough to be able to take care of millions of people fleeing from slaughter and terror. However, the highest inspiration for me is Franklin Delano Roosevelt. One of his quotes gives a very good definition of the way I perceive my task: It is not that we give more to those who already have a lot what would test our progress, but if we give enough to those who have too little.

Thank you.

By: editorial (jk)

“Our NGO is providing legal counseling to children whose rights were violated.”

Growing up in a children’s home inspired 27-year-old Michal Ďorď and his friends to start Vteřina poté. The NGO aims to raise the standards of quality of care for vulnerable children living in these institutions as well as persuade the government to focus more on prevention of institutionalization. Basically, Vteřina poté strives for a transformed and unified system of care for vulnerable children based on prevention of social exclusion of families at risk, family-based solutions for vulnerable children and high standards of quality of care for children in foster or residential care.

“Many of us felt unwanted, unloved, did not have any information about our background, our families or why we ended up in children’s homes,” says Ďorď who spent 17 years in the children’s home Frýdlant, “Some of us even experienced harassment, deprecation, while others experiences almost family-like treatment.”

Soon after forming the organization, Ďorď learned that there we much deeper systematic issues that have to be addressed, including that institutional care is prioritized to family-based solutions. Another issue is that the divided system of care is perpetuating social exclusion, while the prevention programs only get 10% of the budget designated for vulnerable children. At the same time institutional care gets over 50% of the budget.

Since it was founded in 2011, the organization has achieved several breakthroughs. Along with the Ministry of Education, Vteřina poté co-created Standards of Quality of Care for Children in Institutional Care. This will improve the quality of care in all care facilities. They have revised evaluation tools that the Czech School Inspection uses for monitoring institutional care facilities: children homes as well as other types of institutions are de iure school facilities. After criticizing the Czech School Inspection for only monitoring children’s homes once every 10 or 13 years, they hired 40 new school inspectors. Ďorď became the first person who had experienced institutional care to be named a member of the governmental Committee for the Rights of the Child.

When asked for specific examples of schools and areas where their organization had made a difference, Ďorď says that there are way too many examples. “Our NGO is providing legal counseling to children whose rights were violated,” Ďorď explains, “But we also visit children’s homes where we provide children with information about their rights, things they should consider before leaving care or information about ways of getting funding for their education.”

Recently, the organization helped a girl from a children’s home in Silesia. Thanks to information that they provided her with, she is now a student at a university. In her children’s home they have also started to build bridges between the children and the staff. By facilitating discussions about the issues both of these groups have with each other, they can brainstorm solutions and improve how things work within the institution.”We have secured funds which will allow us to do more such programs and training exercises in 2016,” says Ďorď.

“We’ve got a lot of positive feedback from the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs,  Michaela Marksová who closely cooperates with us,” says Ďorď. Marksová cooperates closely with Vteřina poté, Education and Justice ministries, government officials, experts and NGOs to help institutionalized children as well as training foster parents. “We also get negative feedback from some directors of children’s homes and a few parliamentary members who are against the reforms we promote,” explains Ďorď.

The organization has had several setbacks too. They had attempted to convince the Ministry of Labor and Social, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health to cooperate on reform that could unify the system under one ministry. This would also change the way that money is distributed for the advantage of preventive services for families. This failed for may reasons according to  Ďorď, including the appointment of a new Minister of Education, a controversial new School Act was passed and several other complications. However they are working with Marksová who would like to make the reform.

When I asked Ďorď where he sees Vteřina poté in 5 years, he answered, “in advisory and working groups of ministries that deal with children’s right. I would like Vteřina to be an organization that comes first to mind to governmental and non-governmental organizations when vulnerable children’s rights are concerned.

Other than children’s issues, Ďorď is passionate about integration of marginalized groups, especially on housing and job markets and in education. His own family was a victim of discrimination in education and that significantly contributed to their socioeconomic standing which was used as a reason to separate our family and to put him into a children’s home. Besides that, Ďorď has been increasingly interested in system of care for unaccompanied minors who sometimes end up in correctional facilities for young criminals, where they do not

By Olena Kagui

Olena Kagui was born in Ukraine but has spent most of her life in the Czech Republic. Olena graduated from Anglo American University in the summer of 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in International.

“Czech-Slovak relations are truly exceptional.”

Her Excellency Livia Klausová does not often give interviews, so I felt proud and honoured to be able to carry out an interview for this very special first issue, dedicated to Czech and Slovak relations. Having worked at the Diplomatic Academy, I know that interviewing an ambassador is a challenging task. Most questions cannot be answered directly and to other questions answers have to be deliberately vague. Nevertheless, I was looking forward to sending my questions to Mrs. Ambassador. Besides political issues, I was interested in topics related to issues of leadership and diversity. If I am to mention some characteristics that come to my mind with regards to Mrs. Ambassador, I personally perceive her as an authentic, modest and hard-working woman. A woman that managed to be the First Lady, mother and grandmother, while still professionally active and on top of that she has always found the time for her charity work. All this in a very unpretentious manner without the need to have the attention of the media.

Mrs. Livia Klausová, born in Bratislava, studied at the University of Economics in Prague as well as in Luxembourg and Amsterdam. She had worked as a research expert of the Economic Institute of the Czechoslovak Academy of Science and later as an executive secretary of the Czech Economic Society. In 2003-2013 she was the First Lady, and since December 2013 she has been serving as the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Slovak Republic. 

With regards to her charity activities, let me mention the Czech National Marrow Donors Registry, Life 90 Foundation and managing the Livia and Václav Klaus Foundation that mainly focuses on the support of education of many age groups, ranging from high school students to senior citizens, as well as assistance provided to children after they leave foster homes or children whose life has been impacted by serious car accidents. 

Your Excellency, it is undoubtedly true that Czech-Slovak relations are very special in their nature. However, some people who still remember Czechoslovakia as a unitary state, might consider the relations as a glass being rather half-empty than half-full. How do you perceive this phenomenon from Bratislava? 

Czech-Slovak relations are truly exceptional in their nature. And this is true not only about traditionally very close relations between the highest political representatives of both countries, those of governments, parliaments but the same is true when you consider relations between regions, towns, villages, institutions and universities. Relations within the realm of culture are also very intensive. In addition, we should not forget to mention family and friendly ties on the individual level between the two nations.

Slovakia will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union starting July 2016.  What are its main priorities and what kind of support it gets from the Czech Republic?

It is necessary to say that Slovakia has been very actively preparing for its historically first EU Presidency for a long time; the Presidency will start on July 1 2016 and last until the end of December 2016. As far as I know, the Slovak Republic is still working on its main political priorities. However, it is highly probable that these priorities will reflect the programme priorities of the so-called Presidency trios, that is three successive presidencies and the current trio is made up by the Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta. The programme of this Trio reflects three strategic priorities, including the issue of economic growth and employment, better protection of the EU citizens (for example in the social or health area), energy security, freedom and justice and last but not least the role of the Union as a strong global player. For sure, Slovakia will have to deal with the current migration crisis and will lead the Council of the EU during a very important period when many important and politically sensitive decisions will have to be made. And since you asked about the support from the Czech Republic, we naturally offer possible consultancy and exchange of experience from the times of Czech Presidency in the EU. However, the Presidency of the Council of the EU is first and foremost the responsibility of a given country that becomes for a half a year a “facilitator” of political and technical discussions and decision-making on various levels of the EU Council while being at the same responsible for communication with the other European Union Institutions. Presidency represents a big challenge and a big assessment. It is very specific in the manner that it forces the country to think more in the European terms and to a certain extent to leave behind national interests. I wish Slovakia handled its historically first EU Presidency in the best possible way.

Slovak friends perceive the Czech Republic as the leading model in many areas. In which areas can the Czech Republic learn from Slovakia?

I admit that I am not a fond of questions related to models. We can have certain models on the personal level, everyone has someone who played an important role in his or her life, was an inspiration or a good teacher and mentor. However, this cannot be replicated on the state level, since it would bring generalisation and simplification which lead to creating stereotypes. Moreover, it is not the role of the ambassador to judge or assess the hosting country. As far as the Czech Republic and Slovakia are concerned, one country passes over its experience to the other in the areas where it happens to be a step ahead and vice-versa.  Such mutuality only emphasises the special relations.

Can you compare the role of the First Lady and the Ambassador? To what extent do you have to play a certain role and to what extent can you be authentic?

Both First Lady and the Ambassador most of all represent a country. Both roles therefore come with a loss of privacy and a necessity to embrace many protocol rules. Both roles are similar in a sense that they entail not only many meetings with numerous people from different environments but also many administrative tasks. The main difference comes with the fact that the Ambassador is also responsible for managing the whole Embassy and a team of diplomatic and administrative staff. As far as “authenticity” is concerned in both roles, it is like in many other professions where an individual adds their own personal touch on top of a professional role.

You have become an ambassador, however you do not have the traditional support as expected from a spouse that plays a crucial role during many unofficial, yet supporting functions. Women have had traditionally low representation in diplomacy, which is also the regional trend in the Visegrad Four countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary).  Does the low representation of women prove the fact that diplomacy is harder for women?

I see the often cited low representation of women in politics or diplomacy as a myth. I see a number of women in diplomacy and in local politics. However, the question why women do not enter the top politics is perhaps answered in your questions. It’s due to the fact that women lack support and a career conducive environment from their partners and husbands.

You were born in Slovakia, for a long time you have lived in the Czech Republic. Is there something that the Slovaks do not know about the Czechs and they should or vice versa, something the Czechs fail to appreciate when dealing with the Slovaks? Despite being close, we are still two different nations and I remember a case when one international corporation hired British experts on intercultural management to help with an efficient and effective Czech-Slovak merger.

My both parents came from Slovakia, my husband was born in Prague; I was born in Bratislava but most of my live we have lived in Czechoslovakia. Perhaps this is the reason that we do not perceive any possible differences so strongly. The Czechs and Slovaks are close to one another also due to history and yet we still have differences but very subtle. In order to understand each other we certainly do not need experts from Great Britain.

You have spent your professional life following economy. Do you still manage to keep up with the latest economic trends?

The main task of an ambassador is not only following political events, but also paying great attention to economic issues. This is even more important in the case of Slovakia, being the second most important trade partner. Economic ties are very strong in numerous spheres. Moreover, economic diplomacy represents one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the Czech Republic. In that sense, my economic studies are an advantage.

Your Livia and Václav Klaus Foundation has an education as a common denominator. The Czech educational system is very often criticised. In which areas do you see the biggest room for improvement and which areas are you satisfied with?

Livia and Václav Klaus Foundation specialises on education. It is not meant to criticise the Czech education system but to support hundreds of students during their high-school and university studies through scholarships, and primary schools children in their after school activities. We also support senior citizens, within the framework of the project “Seniors communicating” we teach the knowledge of using the latest communication devices. In terms of the Czech education system, we can criticise our vocational schools not having enough students and on the other hand too many university students studying subjects of little relevance to the job market. However, I still believe that our education system is a very good one.

Family has traditionally played an important role for you. Where and how do you get energy nowadays?

Family is naturally very important for me. I get energy from my closest relatives, friends and from many people whom I meet.

What are your last words to Czech and Slovak Leaders magazine readers?

The very fact that the Czech and Slovak Leaders magazine is now being published also in Slovakia reflects the Czechs and Slovaks being close to each other and our unique relationship. I wish all those who put together the magazine that it continues to be inspiring in both countries and that its interesting stories capture attention of all generations of your readers.

Your Excellency, thank you for your interview.

By Linda Štucbartová

Photo: Jakub Ludvík

“We want to focus on customers”

Dear Mr. Krtek, it has been about two years since you became a Member of the Czech Railways Board and more than one year since you were elected its Chairman. How would you evaluate that period?

First of all, I would like to point out that Czech Railways is a joint-stock company and its management responsibilities are determined by this fact. Our task is to protect the interests of a stock holder, which is the state, interests of our customers, and at the same time interests of our creditors too. The net debt of Czech Railways Group amounts to approximately 33 billion Czech Crowns and our bonds are freely tradable.

In 2015, we took important steps towards effective company management. We approved our strategy, our fleet modernisation plan, and we are working on our maintenance. Our key areas are as follows: passenger transport, freight transport, and supporting services, like for example the above mentioned maintenance.

Unfortunately, we also inherited many problems of the past which have begun catching on us now. None of them may put Czech Railways at serious risk, but it is necessary that the management is gradually solving individual issues one by one. This, of course, is a long time process.

Which of these issues do you perceive as crucial?

A typical example can be inherited lawsuits and various real estate projects. Another case is a lost arbitration with Škoda Transportation. None of us signed the agreement for 20 engines, back then existing only on paper; however, we have to deal with the consequences.

This case is covered by the media, is on the agenda of the Ministry of Transport as well as the government. So, it is a top-priority problem. Is it possible that a payment of over one billion Czech Crowns according to the decision of the arbitration court may become fatal for Czech Railways?

Definitely not fatal, but it makes a difference if you can use a billion as an investment and buy new carriages or if you, for incomprehensible reasons, pay to a private entity which delivered the ordered engines several years later than agreed. Therefore, we filed a lawsuit and we want to invalidate the arbitration decision at court.

And did you have to pay?

Yes, we did pay, part of the money, the remaining part of the purchase price plus interest, within three days. If Škoda Transportation had a warrant of execution issued for us, it would have been another problem for our company. It would have put running our business and its reputation at risk, and we cannot afford this towards our creditors either. As I already mentioned, Czech Railways bonds are freely tradable. However, we will not pay an inflation increase, which makes about another 750 million. We have informed a supervisory board about our steps and we have agreed on this decision.

Did you discuss the issue with Škoda Transportation owners?

Our partner was always the management. I am not aware of the owner´s identity.

It means that also through you, the state gives enormous contracts to a company whose owner we don´t know. Do you find this correct?

It is not a question for me. I am a manager and I strictly follow current legislation. Anybody can enter our competitive tendering and if they pass the qualification and win with the lowest price, the contract belongs to them. As a state-owned entity we proceed according to law.

Companies from Škoda Transportation Group represent our traditional partners. It is also necessary to recognise that they give work to people in the Czech Republic, which is good. Therefore, we feel quite uncomfortable having such serious conflict with this supplier. Nevertheless, we believe that the court will agree with us and will invalidate the arbitration decision. It is against common sense to tell Škoda the later you deliver the carriages the more money you can get.

At the end of the year you won another important court case, against one of your competitors, didn´t you?

Yes, we did. At the first instance court we won a case against Leo Express that insisted on our payment of over 418 million Czech Crowns for an alleged abuse of a dominant position on the Praha-Ostrava line. We did not commit anything like that and we are glad that the court confirmed that. Unfortunately, the whole issue has not finished yet because a similar case is being held against us also by the other private competitors. However, the court decision is exceptionally important. Private carriers were entering the lucrative Praha-Ostrava line, operated by us, and they supposed we would not behave as a commercial company and would move away. Once they discovered that we are fighting for customers, they started attacking us unscrupulously. We were trying to ignore all kinds of invectives for a long time, but when the media published that Leo Express´ owner describes our activities as criminal ones, we filed a suit and want an apology. We too are a commercial business and have our interests, customers, and creditors. We won´t let others insult us forever.

It might almost look like all your time was occupied by disputes with suppliers and competitors. Isn´t that tiring?

You are right; sometimes I have a feeling I am spending most of my time with lawyers. Cases are of course a burden, but it cannot put the company´s operations at risk. A very important task was to defend successfully our company rating in the investment band, which we achieved in spring 2015. We also issued bonds which in spring 2016 would re-finance some of the older, due bonds. On top of that, for this emission we gained really good conditions that would save us a considerable amount of funds. Let me also mention the fact of keeping our passengers, who had to endure a great number of traffic closures due to the infrastructure repairs. All of this we were able to achieve thanks to effective management and primarily thanks to all our people´s hard work. Before Christmas we also signed a new collective agreement. With the unions we reached a reasonable compromise which ensures social security to our employees and reflects real possibilities of the company. Social peace is very important for the stability of Czech Railways. We have also signed a collective agreement at Cargo which at the same time announces improvement of their economic results in the second half of the year.

Regularly, we can see articles about new carriages in Czech Railways colours. How much have you invested in them?

We are slowing the process of our fleet modernisation down a bit because we concentrate on gradual decrease of our company indebtedness. Even though, this year we have purchased carriages worth billions of Czech Crowns. Thanks to that, higher comfort of travelling comes also to the lines where it has been awaited by passengers for a long time. Let me mention for example: the line Brno – Břeclav – Olomouc where old fast trains are being replaced by new InterPanters. High quality carriages for long-distance transportation from the line between Praha and Brno have moved to the Praha – České Budějovice line, and so on. I think that if people evaluate the changes of several past years impartially, they will admit that our effort is visible. And don´t get upset with me, but this is the two competitors on Praha – Ostrava line who can claim credit for that. After all, new, modernised carriages are working on the lines which are of no interest for these two. If we didn´t have a big state carrier here – Czech Railways, which provides global services all around our country, a systematical modernisation of wagons would have not definitely taken place in such a short time.

Does it mean you deny your competition credit for changes on Czech railroads?

No, definitely not. Competition is useful in every field. But when you realise whose investments into a modernisation of carriages and infrastructure are the highest, it definitely is the state’s. Either through our company or SŽDC. It is undeniable. Nevertheless, let´s be fair. Private competition motivates us, inspires us and does not let us rest. Which is good. On top of that, with them entering the market, also the state and its representatives realised that liberalisation of railways market is a challenge that must be taken seriously. That is evidenced by the ongoing preparation for creating an independent regulator and further legislation changes which after opening the market are necessary here. And the market is opening all over Europe, which means anybody may come here.

Speaking about 2015, we cannot leave out significant events occurrences on our lines. Have you learn your lesson from them?

It is necessary to learn from every extraordinariness. Black ice at the beginning of the year made us strengthen our traffic control and made the communication with SŽDC better, since their infrastructure was unusable due to black ice and thus our trains full of passengers remained standstill. We also fine-tuned our information system and customer care in extraordinary cases across the board. The collision of a truck and Pendolino in Studénka showed how dangerous it is if you violate traffic regulations. I feel really sorry that to make drivers realise that railway crossing lights are not there for fun, our passengers had to die.

This incident undoubtedly also awoke SŽDC being responsible for infrastructure as well as the state authorities. Thanks to that the issue of increasing safety of railway crossings is much more discussed now. Can you as a carrier also take some steps with regard to that?

In this aspect our role is limited since we do not own either crossings or roads. Despite that, we take active part in the activities of the commission established by the Ministry of Transport, whose task is to find the most suitable way of improving safety of railway crossings. Already in spring of 2015, Czech Railways Board of Directors approved the plan of purchasing two simulators where our train drivers would be preparing for similar extraordinary events. At the same time, we are working on public awareness. Unfortunately, people are incorrigible. If drivers followed traffic regulations, nothing like this would ever have happened.

One of your Pendolinos was seriously damaged in the accident. However, you will repair it, won´t you?

Yes, we will, although the cost of repair is quite high. It will be over 200 million Czech Crowns. Even so, it will be worth repairing the unit. Pendolino belongs among the most popular trains of Czech Railways. It was the first train that brought comfort and speed never experienced on Czech railroads before. Every child knows what Pendolino is. It would be unfortunate to lose a unit that generates income and even after more than ten years of operation has no competition here.

Railjet is closing on, isn´t it?

Definitely. Thanks to railjets the number of passengers between Praha, Brno, and Vienna increased by tens of percent. By the way, the case of railjets is another one we won at court and a record high penalty of 25 million Czech Crowns was refunded to us, originally ordered by the antimonopoly office in connection with reconfiguration of these units.

It seems that on one hand 2015 brought a range of issues to Czech Railways; however, on the other hand a lot of successes too. What is your vision of 2016?

What you read in the media is not always the true reflection of reality. We were really successful in many things. I believe, the upcoming year will turn even better. There will be fewer traffic closures and we will continue solving the problems created in the past. We take an active part in the preparations of legislative framework for railway market liberalisation in the segment of passenger transport and in the process of identifying the position of a national carrier. Here, I also expect a positive development. With ordering parties we are already in discussions about a model of public railway transport functioning after ten-year contracts terminate, i.e. after 2019, and I could go on and on. The important thing is to continue systematically, step by step, according to the strategy we have approved.

What is the goal?

To make Czech Railways an effective company with balanced economic activities that will be fully competitive in the open European market. We want to focus on customers, keep service standards high, and constantly improve in all areas of our enterprise.

By Czech & Slovak Leaders

When Traditional Industry Paves Way to Modern Times

The fate and reputation of the steel industry in Central Europe could be compared to a classic “Cinderella” fairy tale. Classic but a bit obsolete and not making the headlines when compared to “trendy“ industries such as IT, biotechnology and others associated with creative start-ups. However, as the example of Železiarne Podbrezová located in Central Slovakia shows, when history and legacy not only meet current needs but also present a visionary outlook to the future, a unique story based on both local and global partnerships is created. The holistic approach of a company that has a 175 year-old history and puts people in the centre of success brings about a long-lasting and fruitful partnership that extends from a private secondary metallurgical vocational school and private high school, continues to sport clubs and reaches beyond to the preservation of the medieval castle of Ľupča or development of the Tále region.

It is exactly thanks to the visionary approach benefitting the whole region and the impact made in several countries in Central Europe that the Czech Leaders Magazine has the privilege to feature the first Slovak citizen on its cover page. Meet Mr. Juraj Křiváň who has been a member of the board of Železiarně Podbrezová a.s. and also the sales director of the company for a quarter of the century.

Mr. Kriváň, you have dedicated more than three decades not only to one industry, but also to one company. Such loyalty and perseverance is quite unprecedented when judged according to current trends. Can you tell us more about your career journey?

To be exact, it has been already 37 years since I joined the company. During the last two years at the university I was given scholarship on merit from a steel factory, so my mind had been made up even before I graduated from the university. I chose the steel factory despite the fact that my father was an HR director of a neighbouring company producing sand; after he realised that I was going to start my career elsewhere he had not spoken to me for six months. My family and grandparents moved to Podbrezová when I was eight and I have been living here ever since. My education was quite special for that era: I studied a secondary technical school and then I went to the university to Bratislava to study foreign trade. One must bear in mind that during the times of Communism it was very difficult for someone who finished a regional technical secondary school to enter a university. I owe this to my father as he helped me with his support and connections. I am quite open about this fact because nowadays not very many people realise how different the times were then. On the other hand, I have never disappointed those who had given me the chance to study. After finishing my studies and completing one year of compulsory military service, I started as the head of new production. Over the time, I held interesting positions when I was introducing a new IT system to the company, I was handling the system of orders and then I became the head of sales and marketing department. For the last 25 years, I have held the position of the sales director and a member of the board. By the way, I also brought my wife from Bratislava to Podbrezová. If I am to summarise in one word the reason why I made the decision the way I did: I felt I would be given an opportunity there. And the opportunity that is exactly what I myself am trying to give to young people.

For younger or foreign readers, can you reflect on the changes brought by the Velvet Revolution?

It was definitely a big change. I just want to remind everybody that during the Communist times, more than 80% of production capacity went directly to the USSR as something that resembled a barter trade. The trade was organised on the state level with the support of Ferromet company. But the fall of the Communism and consequently the collapse of markets of the former Communist countries were not the last significant change for our company. The next significant change was brought by the separation of Czechoslovakia in 1992. Since 1992, my primary task was to build our own sales network and since then we established our dealerships in Prague, Poland, Italy and in Germany. The dealership in Italy uses the contacts to represent us in distant countries, such as the United States, Kuwait, South Korea and Australia. I am proud to say that since 1994 the sales network has been capable to secure 100% of sales of production capacity. From Podbrezová, we directly serve the Balkan countries, Romania, Bulgaria and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Where did you get the idea to enter the western markets? I can imagine that such a move was quite daring in beginning of the 1990s.

Since late 1991 until 1992 we had closely cooperated with a Swiss consulting company and we had done a year lasting internship. We used to spend four to five days per month in Lausanne and we got the idea that we needed to be directly present in the markets where we wanted to sell. I also got the inspiration from other western competitors. And the model setup has proven to be working for more than 23 years. My approach to the business is quite simple and stems from the belief that both sides need to be satisfied. Selling in our case is a truly continuous work; we produce about 25,000 tonnes of material each month and this is done best with the help of local people who know and can respond to the needs of local customers.

How was the steel industry affected by the economic crisis?

Well, that crisis in steel industry did not last very long, only from 2008 until 2009, compared to other industries. The fact, not often mentioned nowadays, is that there is another crisis going on since May 2015. Prices hit the record low and the steel industry has to bear the consequence of overcapacity from China and the United States. This year, we have lost the US market completely. Of course, we are trying to look at new territories, such as Vietnam, but these tend to be rather problematic at the beginning of cooperation. More than ten thousand jobs were lost as a consequence of the current crisis in the steel industry all over Europe. We hope that the EU will come up with some anti-dumping measures not only against China, but also against Russia or Ukraine. We are represented by the European Steel Tube Association and although we have a support on the level of the European Commission, due to complicated processes related to the EU bureaucracy, it takes a long time to implement any measures. While the United States is able to react and introduce anti-dumping measures within weeks, on the EU level, it usually takes several months.

There is a famous quote saying “We should not moor a ship with one anchor or our life with one hope”. Given your busy schedule and great business achievements, what are your other anchors?

I have always had a high regard for my family and I feel and value their support. I have tried to compensate for the time when I was not with them, and not only in the form of presents but also in form of time spent together, for example during vacations when we travelled a lot. And then I am a big fan of sports, actively and passively. Železárny Podbrezová continuously supports several sport clubs, a football club, a volleyball club, a golf club and skiing activities. Last but not least, I am a big fan of skittles and I am also a member of the Executive Board of Slovak Skittle Union. My interest in skittles goes back to my family tradition. My grandfather was a carpenter and he used to carve skittles in his free time and supplied local pubs with them. In Podbrezová, there has been a long skittle tradition and our team even won the Slovak National League. We used to have only old two lanes; however, the championships are played on four lanes. So it was in 1997 with the reconstruction of the vocational school when we built six lanes and now we have three teams competing in the national league.

You mentioned that already in 1990 all seven members of Železárny Podbrezová Board decided not only to give work to people in the region but also to contribute to the social dimension of the regional development. Besides supporting sport activities for young people, your company also runs two private schools. The first being vocational school with a dual system of education, the second being a high school preparing students for universities.

The vocational school prepares our expert skilled workers. People do not realise that these workers operate high-tech machinery. Just imagine that a rolling mill machine produces 600-700 of tonnes of material per day and when it breaks down, it needs to be repaired, disassembled and assembled quickly. If this equipment is broken, production stops. All 60 students finishing each year find work in our company and they are ready to start working in a particular position. Those who wish, can continue their studies at the university. I am aware of the fact that other companies in Slovakia have shortage of technical skilled labour. The technical and construction work is still very much underestimated since few people are aware of the fact how closely it is linked to much needed innovation and design of new forms of production.

You and I have in common remembering Czechoslovakia, so how do you personally feel about the separation of those two countries? And how are current Czech-Slovak relations being perceived by the new generation in Slovakia?

I still perceive it as a decision made by two politicians and not based on referendum. I personally believe that had the referendum taken place, the split of the country would not have occurred. Now, it has been a reality for 23 years. What I see is that the new generation does not have the close ties that we used to have across the country and most of all, they do not understand the language. During the times of Czechoslovakia, you had the news one day in Czech, another day in Slovak. The same was true about movies, theatre plays, books and magazines. The languages were really close. Today, everything is subtitled even from Czech and Slovak and the nations are not as close as they used to be. My daughter lives in Prague and when I come there and start ordering food in Slovak, no one understands me.

What are your final words to Czech Leaders readers?

I would very much like to point out the long tradition of the steel industry in Podbrezová. I hope that the 175 year old tradition will continue. The industry faces a difficult situation but our company is big enough to deal with that. My life motto taken from my grandfather is that anything is possible if you have the right mindset. I believe that the young generation will take their chance and use opportunities afforded to them. I was also given my chance when I was 25 years old. Last but not least, I would like to extend my invitation to our region surrounding Podbrezová, so you can try yourself our hospitality, including our premium sport and skiing facilities. We try to do our best to provide the top quality services and to present to our guests our beautiful region where the past meets the present.

By Linda Štucbartová

About Železiarne Podbrezová a.s.

Having consolidated a turnover close to 500 million EUR, Železiarne Podbrezová ranks among 15 largest businesses in Slovakia. The company employs almost 7,000 people in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Poland and Germany. As an integrated producer of steel and seamless steel tubes, it produces 160,000 tonnes of seamless steel tubes per year, which makes the company one of the leading manufactures in this industry in Europe. With its own sales and marketing network, the company runs its sales in 50 countries on all 5 continents worldwide.

About Július Kriváň

Július Kriváň began his career with Železiarne Podbrezová a.s in 1978 after he had completed his studies at the Economic University, field of study: Foreign Trade, in Bratislava. Over the years, he gained experience holding various roles in the Sales Department until he became the Head of Sales and Marketing Department in 1982. After eight years, he was promoted to Commercial Director and Member of the Board and he has held these positions ever since.

On the ICT as Means of Savings and on Prague More and More Attracting the Cloud

To non-ICT experts, the title might seem to be an oxymoron. However, the interview with Mr. Josef Švenda allowed me not only to address the trends in IT (for the experts rather ICT, stressing the combination of information and communication technologies) for the upcoming year but also improve the traditional dark image of the Czech Republic portrayed by the media as the country of cheap labour for assembly lines. On January 14, a unique press conference, synchronised across the region, took place, where Oracle announced the launch of a Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Recruitment drive to add 1400 new cloud sales professionals. In addition to Prague, new hires will be based in the five following locations: Amsterdam (the Netherlands), Cairo and Dubai (the Middle East), Dublin (Ireland) and Malaga (Spain). For the Czech Republic specifically, this will mean at least 100 new sales professionals who will help fuel growth in the Oracle’s cloud business. The press conference also marked the presence of Mr. Karel Kučera, General Director of CzechInvest, who was pleased with the growing trend in the Czech-US commercial exchange. From the point of view of a Czech citizen, it was interesting to hear that despite the fact that Oracle has not received any direct incentives for being based in Prague, it still sees Prague as an important regional location. The second reason was the fact that jobs for cloud sales experts will be followed by more expert positions of IT developers and so Prague managed to create new roles having a high added value on the market.

The remark from Mr. Švenda regarding the fantastic opportunity that Central Europe represents for both Oracle and for the cloud is not an understatement together with his belief that the cloud is perfect for supporting the rapid growth of agile and innovative businesses in the Czech Republic and Central Europe.

For me personally, this was a meeting with Mr. Švenda after a quarter of a century, which for him came as a surprise. During my high-school years, I was working as a hostess for the most prestigious IT exhibition called Computer Graphics and Mr. Švenda happened to be one of my first bosses, at that time leading Axiom company and presenting a revolutionary solution called Bernoulli box, a removable floppy disc. As you can imagine, from the IT perspective, it was the prehistory and after 25 years, I was pleased to reflect not only on the advance of the industry but also of the career of Mr. Švenda.

Mr. Švenda, we are meeting at the beginning of the New Year, so allow me to start with a personal question. What are your new year´s resolutions for the upcoming year?

Actually, I have none. For a long time I have been pursuing the way to concentrate not on big resolutions but rather on constant, day-to-day improvements. Every morning I try to find one particular issue that I can handle in a different and better way than I have so far.

And now back to the ICT sector. What are the main trends that you see relevant for the Czech and Slovak Republic for 2016?

I am glad that our countries continue to be undoubtedly a part of the Western world, so the trends in IT are the same ones as the ones in advanced countries. 2016 will be marked by the trend called Digital Disruption. Such phenomenon will influence almost every enterprise in every industry. The companies that are the most progressive are making their choices whether they wish to be “the disruptor” or they are preparing to be those to be “disrupted”. The power of Digital Disruption emerges as a culmination of five major trends that will reach its peak this year; these are: Big Data representing exponential growth of different data sources, Mobility in terms of digital data being able to be produced and consumed anytime anywhere, Social Networks as new means how to start a digital dialogue with customers, Internet of Things standing for data created by machines to be used by other machines and last but not least the Cloud as a flexible and elastic IT platform, enabling development and running of applications enabling the very phenomenon of Digital Disruption.

When you joined the company three years ago, you have compared Oracle to a roaring new red Ferrari. What does it feel like driving the Ferrari for three years?

It has been demanding as such a car does not allow for making mistakes. However, at the same time, you get to enjoy a lot of excitement.

As mentioned above, it looks like Prague is profiting from the Cloud. You have just mentioned new positions to be open with regards to cloud sales.

We are very glad that Prague has become a recipient of such an investment from Oracle. In order to offer so many jobs, Oracle has to invest quite significant resources into research and development of both products and services -these amount to 5 billion USD annually and also depend on the success on the customers‘ side. We are proud that Prague is perceived as a suitable location for high-tech centres such as ours. Our plans are ambitious and I believe that more than one hundred of new sales professionals will accelerate Oracle’s growth even further.

Few years ago, the experts were divided into two categories – those who supported cloud and those who were against. Now, cloud looks like a panacea. However, are there any other trends and solutions that leaders should be aware of?

I have already mentioned five significant trends (Big Data, Mobility, Internet of Things, Social Networks and Cloud); nevertheless, I would add one more and that is security which in reality runs through the main IT trends and to a large extent it can decide about existence or non-existence of companies in current digital era. Business leaders should pay a great deal of attention to security and choose partners that are well aware of the risks coming from digitalisation and are ready for them.

Another phenomenon worth mentioning is the interest of big IT companies to provide services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Thanks to the cloud solutions SMEs can afford modern systems that might significantly advance their performance. But doesn’t it resemble a situation when Goliath is giving his advice to David?

Perhaps, but it is worth noting that even Oracle started as David years ago and for many new companies it can be now an example and a source of good advice. I do not think that there are many companies who wish to stay small forever.

Let’s talk about investments in the public sector. When I did an interview with Jan Muehlfeit a few years ago, he admitted that investments in IT not always translated into the growth of performance. Has the situation changed? 

ICT technologies have an enormous potential for the efficient running of public sector. But as it is the case with other investments, such potential might not be fulfilled for different reasons. I cannot say whether the situation in the public sector is improving, but I can clearly see the potential of ICT to improve lives of citizens and the entrepreneurial environment and we will definitely try to achieve that.

It looks like that you do not complain about the lack of students interested in technologies and given the number of acquisitions you do not mention that there is a lack of companies suitable for co-operation. Is it thanks to the industry of are you an optimist?

Or is it perhaps that our industry attracts life-optimists?

Mr. Švenda, can I ask you for the final words for Czech and Slovak Leaders?

Since we started on the new year’s theme, I would like to wish everyone plenty of success, both in their professional and private life in the upcoming year.

Are you the right candidate for Oracle? By the way, you do not need to have IT background but rather business drive and experience. And by the way, Oracle is also looking for talented women. Let me quote Loic Le Guisquet, President of Oracle.

“I want socially savvy, switched on individuals who can help customers respond to the digital imperative and make their businesses future proof. We are looking for people who want to be relevant to the biggest trends shaping business and technology.”

http://experience.oracle.com

By Linda Štucbartová

Energy and its various resources: traditional, renewable and energy needed for personal welfare

I was anxious to interview a woman that ranks among top managers in the Czech Republic and has devoted four decades of her professional life to the energy sector, namely the gas industry. She is publicly known as being “as sharp as a razor” and her media image is heavily influenced by many charges that have been filed against her since she assumed the position of the Chairwoman of the Energy Regulatory Office. She has been in charge of the institution since 2011 – the term in office lasts 6 years.

When I met Mrs. Vitásková personally, I enjoyed her profound knowledge and the ability to present rather controversial arguments regarding new trends in renewable energy that are in sharp contrast with the public opinion in a way that even a layman understands. I was astonished at how frank and open she was regarding the issue we both care about – overall diversity, not only gender but also generational one, overall low presence of women in Board positions and their unequal treatment in highest top-management positions including a salary gap difference. I also admired her strong determination as well as her ability to deal with all the external pressures given several accusations she has to face that eventually brought her living under the police custody. Last but not least, we discussed her involvement in charities and her life credo to give and support those in need but not to make it necessarily public.

Mrs. Vitásková, your life and career is associated with one sector – energy, namely gas.  What was the reason that you, being a 17-year old girl, decided to choose the typically male technical discipline in the era of “normalisation” in the Communist Czechoslovakia of the 1970s?

Well, my family background was not the Communist one and despite the fact that I was a high school A grade student, I was not accepted to the university as a full-time student. So I had to opt for a scheme that enabled me studying while working full time. At that time, the building of North Moravian Gas Company was located in the most modern building in Ostrava, having a radio in each office. I could feel the progressive environment, I liked the music being played there and so I started to work there as an administrative assistant, making my way eventually to the top. Then, after the turn of the millennium, I was responsible for the privatisation of Transgas with a much larger scope of involvement in international gas trade. Such international co-operation proved useful two years ago, when I initiated co-operation with other energy regulators from Visegrad countries (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia). I must say that after the Velvet Revolution I was made an incredible offer to start a subsidiary of an international company in the then Czechoslovakia but in a different industry. The month salary equalled to an annual salary including incredible benefits, but I had to turn the offer down. I realised, and later I had to explain to the surprised management of that company, that I would not be able to smell “the odorant”, specifically “the smell” of substances added to gas so people can smell and recognise a dangerous leak. So I believe this story demonstrates my passion for and fascination with the specific gas industry that has lasted for more than four decades.

Your move from the private sector to the public sector represents another interesting aspect of your career journey which is in contrast to the more recurrent trend in the Czech Republic where politicians in particular tend to move in the other direction, from the public sphere to the private one. What was your motivation to join the civil sector that does not have the best reputation?

My overall aim is to set a transparent and fair environment to all players involved in the sector and protect customers. I can say that I was familiar with the energy environment from the other side, during liberalisation and privatisation I knew how the regulation was drafted and how it originated. At that time, I was not aware of the challenge brought by the subsidisation of the renewable resources. I was aware of the problems with photovoltaic energy power stations and I prevented the possible repetition of the problem with regards to gas  biomethane. I believe that I stopped the uncontrollable subsidising of renewable resources at the right moment, given that the regulation is set for a 20-year time period and the financial consequences of such continuous support would be beyond any financial control. I am known for fighting the “mafia in the energy sector” that is very powerful and my determination to fight these groups is very strong. I have never heard any criticism from the government or from the experts. However, I have experienced how the energy mafia is able to exercise its pressure using certain media, state prosecutors, individual politicians. However, given my personality, these attempts come in vain. The more I fell under pressure, the more strengths I find to fight these unfair practices back.

In general, life stories of leaders can be divided into two categories. The ones enjoying life as a journey and the others having a particular life mission. In your story, I have seen both trends. Which characteristics suit you better?

You are right. During the first part of my career I see the journey pattern. However, I have always had a desire to create something that would remain even after I leave. The building in Ostrava, mentioned earlier that brought me to the gas industry, was ready for demolition 30 years later.  However, I did not want to let it destroy and the headquarters to move elsewhere.  So I fought for its reconstruction; the reconstruction was so successful that it received a special award and I managed to preserve something of a historic value. In various positions, I was always interested in implementing something new, be it the most modern IT systems or customer relationship management systems. Now, during my position at the ERU, I see my mission in setting up and protecting fair environment and vulnerable players.

You have been ranking in the Top 25 Czech Women in Business chart and you were awarded the Manager of the Year in 2002. How would you describe your leadership style?

I know that I am very demanding. I am harsh on myself so I have the tendency to be demanding on others.  But whenever I was leaving, the employees were saying “the fairy-tale with Alenka is over”, despite my high performance oriented character and challenging discussions I used to have with my colleagues, given my vast experience in the industry combined with technical education background. Now, diversity seems to be a current issue, but it has been my natural tendency to have teams always comprised of three generations, the experienced ones, the young ones and those in between. I have built those teams and we achieved great results. When I started to work for Transgas, it used to be 2 bn. in debt.  We immediately launched 13 projects to raise the value of the company prior to privatisation and analysts expected the best bids between 60-80 bn. CZK. The final sum obtained in privatisation was 134 bn. CZK which shows how well the company was prepared and how highly valued it was by the foreign investors.

Let us get from management back to energy, in particular to the controversial issue of renewable resources.  Despite the growing support for green trends in society, you again go against the current in outlining the risks these resources present.

There are two points to this argument. The first one is that I do not like to see renewable resources as an opportunity for one particular group to get profitable business with subsidies at the expense of others concerned, particularly consumers. The other side of this is the decision made on the EU level to go and support such policies and I will keep challenging this decision. I believe the decision was made without any previous consideration about the overall impact. I compare it to the situation when an innovation is being introduced to production without any additional technical changes. Yes, I see renewable resources as a new possibility of acquiring energy but we need to have exactly allocated finances together with technical background. I support innovation but only when it has clearly defined limits. I am convinced that unprecedented support of renewable resources will negatively impact the development in energy sector in next 20 years. The overall amount of energy from stable resources has been declining, the purchase price is declining but at the same time, due to subsidies, the energy price for the consumer is rising.

Not very many people realise the risk associated with the renewable energy due to insufficient technical solutions with power grids. With the decline of energy coming from Germany, the Czech Republic is in the danger of blackout, even though our distributional network is perfectly fine. And then we are getting closer to scenarios that some people can consider from the realm of sci-fi, but in fact are very real. How many days can our society function without electrical energy? The experts say that chaos will come after three days, total collapse after seven. Just imagine the amount of people immediately stuck in elevators, chaos on roads, hospitals without electricity, market failure due to malfunctioning banking systems and ATM machines, and so on. The current system needs to be more technically advanced as well as backed up and possible investments will be enormous. It is also worth mentioning that the more clever and sophisticated systems, the bigger risk of possible cyberattacks.

How do you cope with being under constant pressure? 

My grandmother used to repeat the Czech proverb that “a man gets used to anything, even to gallows”.  And I realised that this is truth. My father died when I was only 12 years old and I have two younger siblings that I had to take care of. I have already mentioned that I was not allowed to study, so since rather early age I got used to facing somewhat hostile conditions. On the other hand, I learned how not to give up easily. I have always loved what I was doing and work is actually also a hobby of mine and so I get the energy back. Whenever I come to work on Monday, I look if the police are present. If they are not present, I go and work as usual. After the police visits, I usually do not sleep for a couple of days. After I received the first accusation, I felt really desperate because I have not done anything wrong, which is the feeling I would not wish to anyone. Eventually, I got used to this feeling. I must say that even outside of work, I spend a lot of time discussing many accusation-related issues with lawyers. After a couple of days, I get back my drive and energy to fight the injustice and accusations I am facing. I have a dog, called Aiki. His character, as a mini-schnauzer, quite mirrors my personality. I also enjoy playing golf to relax. Last but not least, I would like to mention a group of friends that have remained around me supporting me for more than three decades.

Very many companies nowadays support women in leadership positions to get more balanced teams that are known to perform better. How difficult has it been to be a woman in the men´s world of gas industry?

I definitely agree that everything was more difficult for me due to the fact that I was a woman.

There were only few women in gas industry and usually they were not often taken seriously.  My technical background and expertise proved to be an advantage, since I could prove that I could join and contribute to a debate. However I could see several differences in my style: I did not joined the rest of men either at soccer game or at the pub and I was very open in my communication. The biggest problem that has quite shocked me was, nevertheless, the pay gap. Even in top company positions, my salary resembled the one of Cinderella in comparison to my male colleagues. And this is the major inequality and injustice, everything else up to women to fight and solve. My mentoring advice for women is to never give up. However, as studies show, when women are hard and persistent, they are often labelled as being hysterical or difficult.  It is true that efficiency does not support women being liked.

 You have been very active in supporting a lot of charity organisations, but you have been quite discreet about it which is another trend that is against the mainstream approach in the Czech Republic.

It is my belief that this should not be a topic of my discussions. My personal motto is that from the money I gain, one third money should be enjoyed and spent, one third invested and one third given away. I have continuously supported a house for sight-impaired people in Opava since 1992; I also support charities for handicapped children engaged in hippotherapy, and I was the Chairwoman of Livia and Václav Klaus Foundation for two terms. I also have supported a charity for senior citizens since this is a group that is not being paid attention to. I believe that my life goal to leave a legacy is also reflected in charities I chose to support.

By Linda Štucbartová

“There is a clear delay between the pace of the digital revolution and potential regulatory measures.”

You are covering whole range of topics such as Internal Market and Trade policy. Let´s start with international trade and new EU trade strategy. What are the opportunities for the EU in global trade? On which part of the World should we focus and what form should the negotiations take?

I personally welcome the Commission´s new Trade and Investment strategy, because I believe it is a much needed and long awaited document. For the EU, which is a global leader and trendsetter in this field, trade is one of the key areas of its policies. With the new strategy there is an emphasis put on the crucial link between trade opportunities and growth and jobs generated in the EU. More liberalized trade with our main partners creates more jobs in the EU and thus contributes to its growth. This is one of the premises on which we should base all of our future negotiations. But above all, we need to deliver concrete benefits from trade agreements to our companies, especially small and medium enterprises. When it comes to the regional focus you were raising, I am convinced that first of all we must undergo a stock-taking exercise of all the ongoing negotiations. I am concerned by long lasting talks, some of them have been blocked for quite a while and we should be able to say whether there is a common will to continue on these or not. As a priority, we have to conclude those negotiations currently taking place with our key trade partners such as the USA and Japan. But I see a great potential for our companies also in Latin America and Asia.

Conclusion of the TTIP negotiations will not happen in 2016. In November, the US will hold presidential election and we have to expect a slowdown in EU-US talks. Do you see it as opportunity or threat?

I believe we should stick to our ambition to conclude the TTIP in 2016. You mention the presidential election taking place in the US next year. It is hard to foresee the exact impact this could have on the TTIP negotiations, however, I think that there is a common shared vision, both in the US and in the EU, that such an agreement has its merits and it should be concluded. We have advanced quite well so far, and it would not be beneficial to either side not to conclude it soon. I can imagine a sort of slowdown, as you put it, linked mainly to eventual changes in the US administration, but not to the point that I would call it a threat. The EU and the USA are natural trade partners, strategic partners as well, and TTIP could bring this relationship to another level, making both sides of the Atlantic work closer and providing businesses with real new opportunities.

Yet, in the context of EU-US cooperation, European and American businesses were shocked by the decision of the Court of Justice of the EU on Safe Harbour. Was it a “wise” decision?

Well, it would not be correct to make comments on the Court of Justice´s decision as to whether it was wise or not. The Court acts independently and is, without any doubt, able to duly justify its reasoning and judgements. We should take this decision as a matter of fact. The Commission has to analyse what kind of legal situation we are in right now and make it clear also for the companies. There were over 4000 of them using Safe Harbour and they deserve to know what will happen now. I think that we all know how important the data protection issue is for us, here in the EU, and we should make it possible for European´s consumers data to be handled cautiously and following clear rules, also by non-European actors. We spoke about TTIP a little bit ago, I believe that we have to find a relevant solution to the data protection issue also for the sake of this agreement.

In summer 2015, the European Commission suggested to grant China market economy status. The decision is likely to split Europe but also businesses across different sectors. Do we need more time to study potential impact of the decision?

This is a very important question, thank you for raising it. It is my impression that we do not pay enough attention to this issue in the Czech Republic. However, the decision on whether to grant China market economy status or not will have far-reaching consequences. The Commission has not yet stated what its preference is. We heard about the legal analysis which might lead to the conclusion that the EU should grant it. Having said that, the Commission is currently working on a couple of analyses which should shed more light onto this question. I think that we should be very cautious in this matter and also listen to what our businesses have to say. We hear about the steel and ceramics sector but there are definitely many more areas which could be heavily affected by such a decision. Bearing this in mind, I am calling on the Commission to investigate alternative scenarios and make proposals on different types of trade defence instruments which could help us protect sensible sectors.

The Commission unveiled its Digital Single Market Strategy in May 2015. It is difficult to regulate digital market. First the regulation is coming with a delay in such a smart-growing environment and second, it can suffocate the innovation. What is your opinion on that?

I completely agree with what you have just said. There is a clear delay between the pace of the digital revolution and potential regulatory measures. But for me, the ultimate question is: how do we want regulate the digital world? Do we need rules for everything, or should we adopt a laissez-faire approach and let the market figure it out by itself? In my opinion, the answer is somewhere in between, but closer to the latter. The focus of our work must be on the removal of barriers and national requirements that prevent a true single market. Instead of creating new prescriptive requirements at the European level, I believe we must instead work on the principles and frameworks of how we want the market work and then let businesses implement those principles. I fear that if we are too prescriptive, our laws will be outdated from the moment they are adopted.

We are expecting a new proposal on online platforms in 2016. What would be the best regulation to this environment?

There is currently an ongoing public consultation run by the European Commission on the regulation of online platforms. I am very much looking forward to seeing what the different stakeholders´ views on it are. Personally, I believe that to simply and blindly apply ex-ante regulation on platforms, as with traditional services, will do more harm to consumers and businesses than they would benefit them. We as legislators should focus our work on ex-post remedies instead of focusing on ex-ante controls. In other words, acting only after there is a problem instead of putting limits on businesses and traders before they even begin to sell. When dealing with this matter, we need to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. I keep saying we should think digitally by default. Another issue is data protection. I believe every platform has a duty to protect the data of its users. Security, however, will never be perfect. Consumers must be informed of a breach and what has been stolen. If the stolen data could be used against an individual, companies should be required to help counterbalance the negative effects.

At the moment (beginning of December) the European Parliament is finalizing together with the Council the General Data Protection Regulation. Digital market is based on data. How can we ensured the highest level of data privacy?

Yes, indeed, as discussed earlier, the data protection is one of the key elements of truly functioning digital single market. Both for the citizens and for the businesses. I believe that the Commission struck the right balance with its proposal. It came with the idea of a general data protection regulation, because the EU needs a single set of rules. This would help not only consumers but also companies carrying out cross-border operations. But I guess we can do even better here, as the initial ambition included also lowering administrative burden for all the actors involved.

Digitalization of the economy creates new barriers on the Internal Market. However, there are still persisting barriers in traditional business such as cross-border provision of services. What can be done at EU level to remove barriers on the Internal Market?

I think there is an approach to take addressing challenges in the overall single market. It would be hard to further develop e-commerce without working on opening up the market in parcel deliveries, provisions of services on cross-border level or labour mobility. All these issues go hand in hand with the rapid development of online services. There are also other barriers we should focus on, such as geo-blocking, which we suffer from any time we cannot benefit from a service because it is reserved exclusively to residents of a different country than ours. In general, we have to fully apply the mutual recognition principle. Let me mention one of the areas which still suffer from overregulation – the liberal professions. There are barriers which deny professionals to access their fundamental European freedoms of movement and establishment. So this kind of unjustified barriers must be removed as they prevent fair competition between different actors. National regulations amount to protectionist measures, they constitute de facto non-tariff trade barriers. We need the services provision directive to be fully implemented so that the Czech and other European professionals or service providers can access other cross-border markets freely.

Last but not least, what do you think about current threat of terrorism in Europe?

I cannot express how shocked I was to learn about the terrible events last month in Paris. It makes me sad to think of it, not only because I have been living in France for the last six years. It is obvious that the EU is now more than ever a target for terrorist acts and that we have to be active in countering it. For the time being, I am a bit disappointed by the Commission´s reaction to the urgent challenges raised by the security situation. We had high ambitions after the attacks on Charlie Hebdo last January, however our reaction was far too slow, heavily bureaucratic and not accurately designed. The Paris attacks happened almost one year since the Charlie Hebdo events and we have to be honest with ourselves, nothing really changed since then. I think we should be more active in this field; the terrorists will not wait until some directives are ready. They might be willing to attack us again and I hope we can face them better.

Thank you for the interview!

Alena Mastantuono, Director of CEBRE

Dita Charanzová is a Czech Member of the European Parliament. She graduated from the University of Economics, Prague and later from the Diplomatic Academy in Madrid. Ms Charanzová completed a doctorate degree from Jan Masaryk Centre of International Studies in Prague. She is a former diplomat, whose postings included the Czech Permanent Representation to the EU during the Czech Presidency, where she led the Trade Policy Committee. She has also worked at the Council of Europe. Ms Charanzová is the ALDE spokesperson and ranking Member of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee and a Substitute Member of the Committee on International Trade.

“Please, help me return the synagogue to Bratislava!”

In 1969, the well-known Slovak actor Andrej Hryc, was a second-year student at the Department of Acting at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava. His role model, the beloved Slovak actor, ass.prof.Ladislav Chudík, who had admitted him to his class two years before that, was already being punished for having defected in August 68 to Austria, which the incoming “normalization” communist establishment used to ban him from media appearances, as well as from teaching at the Academy.

On Saturday morning of April 12, 1969, Andy Hryc was walking along the derelict Židovská Street (Jewish Street) in Bratislava to the Hall of Performing Arts in Kapitulská Street, for regular on-stage acting lesson, when his attention was caught by an unusual image on the Rybné (Fish) Square. An excavator was attacking with its heavy bucket the magnificent building of the Jewish Neologist Synagogue from the late 19th century and smashing its left tower, a home to a Slovak Television studio until only a few weeks before. As well as more than 300 other houses in this area,  the Jewish Synagogue also presented an “obstacle” for architects of the new Bratislava landmark – the Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising that forever destroyed, cut off the area below the castle and separated it from the rest of the Bratislava’s Old Town. All wars that raged through the city combined did not cause as much irreparable historical damage to the Slovak capital, as this Communist urbanistic crime.

Hryc sat down on a stone, with tears of furious helplessness streaming down his disbelieving face, and did not go to school on that day. He spent the following weekend sitting in front of the Baroque House of the Good Shepherd, watching this unprecedented demolition. On Monday, the synagogue was gone. And, it was as if no one noticed anything, as if nothing had happened.

Sitting across from me, sipping coffee, is the founder of legendary Radio Twist, a popular Slovak actor and director, Seychelles’ Honorary Consul in the Slovak Republic – Andrej Hryc.

Andy, at a recent press conference, you introduced to the Slovak public a project which stunned Bratislava with its exceptionality.

Since I live nearby, I walk very often across the former Fish, today’s Rudnay Square. It is where my son Hugo took his first steps and where my two grandsons are running around today. I witnessed the demolition of an exceptional monument – the Jewish Neologist Synagogue in Bratislava, which had stood here at the base of the Catholic Gothic cathedral opposite the Orthodox St. Nicholas Church and which was slowly turning into a pile of bricks. For years it was a symbol of our city’s religious tolerance and even though I am not Jewish, I miss it very much to this day. I was able to overcome many of my life’s problems by remembering those unfortunate people who ended up in the Holocaust’s gas chambers. Compared to their suffering and tragedy, all my life’s problems always looked like a fun fair. For more than 40 years I’ve been carrying the memory of this event and one day in the evening, when I returned home, it occurred to me whether it would be possible to rebuild that interesting yellow house built in a Moorish style, where in the late 1960s in the Slovak television studio, located there at the time, I appeared in my first television production, the name of which I don’t remember unfortunately. I began thinking about it and then talking to people who are close to me.

With my friend Karol Kállay, one of the leading Slovak architects, we found in archives of the city of Bratislava the original plans by architect Dezso Milch from 1893. We took the tape measure and went to survey the Rudnay Square. When we discovered that there is enough space to build a 100% replica of the synagogue, the idea got real contours.

Demolition in 1969

What followed?

I presented this idea of mine to several close friends: sculptor Juraj Čutek, professor of economics, former Vice-chancellor of the University of Economics in Bratislava Juraj Stern and world-renowned neurologist Paľo Traubner – the outcome of our discussions was the founding of a civic association.

What is the mission of your association?

The association’s name is “We’ll bring the Synagogue back to Bratislava”. It has a single objective – to return to Bratislava the symbol of religious tolerance, so much needed in these days. I admit that this is a high aspiration, but I like challenges. Our association does not want to build a place of Jewish worship. The synagogue will serve the people of Bratislava and the general public as a multifunctional cultural facility and at the same time it will be a permanent reminder of the “disappearance” of one of Bratislava’s communities. It will be a Holocaust memorial. The names of all seven thousand Jewish citizens, who were deported from our city to the concentration camp, will be engraved in the marble wall of the “old-new” Synagogue, to commemorate, at least symbolically, their return to Bratislava, as a reminder of the absurdity of the persecution of people of a different race, ethnic origin and religion or political affiliation. I believe that we will achieve our objective.

What is the timetable of your plan, and what is its budget?

We would like to complete our project over the next four years. We have two years to raise the necessary funds. Our budget estimate is five million Euros.

Historical view of the Fish Market

Where do you want to find funding for such an ambitious project?

The Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic granted us a permit to conduct a public collection. Our initiative was sponsored by all Slovak telecom operators, by organising telephone number 875 for donations via SMS, costing one Euro. We obtained patronage of the Mayor of Bratislava Mr. Ivo Nesrovnal and the Embassy of Israel. Of course, I’m not naive to think that we will be able to raise the full amount this way only. We count on support from the state, public funds, various sponsors and we will also approach international foundations and trusts. Every form of help is welcomed. Please, join me and help return the Synagogue to Bratislava!

Chatam Sofer Memorial

I believe that your initiative will soon receive a positive reaction from people who appreciate this noble story of a symbolic return of the Holocaust victims to their home town and that they will desire to take part in this effort. 

I am deeply convinced of this; after all, for centuries Bratislava had, until the WWII, a very strong Jewish community that made significant contribution to the development of this city. Bratislava was home to perhaps the most famous Jewish school, founded by notable Rabbi Moses Schreiber, known in the world as Moshe Sofer or ChatamSofer.  Sofer is buried in Bratislava and in 2002 his crypt at the Old Jewish Cemetery was renovated, serving since as a ritual and pilgrimage place of worship for Jews travelling from around the world to pay their respects. The ChatamSofer Mausoleum is less than 500 m from the original place where we want to rebuild the Synagogue.

Does this mean that this new initiative pushes your acting and artistic ambitions aside?

Certainly not. On the contrary. All participants are donating their time and expertise working for the association. All funds raised are dedicated exclusively towards construction of the synagogue. Therefore I cannot give up my artistic activities, since the pension, to maintain a proper standard of living hmm, somehow is not enough. Despite the fact that I am approaching 70, I cannot complain about lack of acting work. I’m constantly busy in the Czech Republic, as well as Slovakia. In Prague, I’m appearing in a theatre; at home I am currently shooting a new series for TV JOJ, called the Zoo and preparing for a major new film opportunity in the upcoming project of my daughter Wanda, who is the producer and co-author of a long feature Slovak film called the LINE, a story unfolding on the Slovak – Ukrainian border about smuggling flourishing in all its forms and local authorities looking the other way. A young policeman with peculiar methods arrives there, with a secret mission to convict the real culprits – his police colleagues. I look forward very much to working with leading Slovak actors, such as Emilia Vašáryová,  Zuzana Fialová, Alexander Barta, Dano Fisher, Eugen Libezňuk or Milan Ondrík. The movie’s story is highly topical, the script is excellent and I believe that the result will be remarkable….

Bolek Polívka and Andrej Hryc in legendary TV series Černí baroni

Well, it seems that “the apple does not fall far from the tree”….. I said goodbye to a man full of energy and determination, who for one moment does not accept even one percent of a possibility that this most unique and ambitious project would not go ahead. His whole life, artistic career, his influence and last but not least his diplomatic contacts convince me that in about four years Bratislava will be greeting every traveller from Vienna and elsewhere with a majestic view of a newly rebuilt unique monument.

I am saying good-bye to Andy with feelings of humility, reverence and deep respect for the victims of the Holocaust, whose names remind us of “memento mori” and thanks to his determination I am already looking forward to the skyline of Bratislava which will be completed and highlighted by the synagogue and its majesty.  I promise to Andy that I will do my best for the synagogue to return it back to the site from which it was uprooted. Will you, dear readers, join us and help in our effort to bring the synagogue back to Bratislava?

www.bratislavskasynagoga.sk

by Eva Anderová

“Smiling is just an automatic reaction.”

Hynek Kmoníček

A special personal interview with Hynek Kmoníček, Director of the International Department at the Office of the President of the Czech Republic, done by his wife, Indira Gumarova, on the media, patriotism, cooking skills, peace in the Middle East and so much more…

“If I were Angelina Jolie, I would make a movie based on his character. I learn something from him every day,” says Indira Gumarova, photographer and media advisor, who observed  Dr. Hynek Kmoniček’s life far closer than anybody else (as his wife, in particular) and interviewed him for The Czech Leaders Magazine.

What book are you reading right now?

The End of Suffering, by Pankaj Mishra. I sometimes think I must be just the second person to finish reading this book after the author himself, and neither of us got it fully. An overcomplicated book on current India and historical development of Buddhism there and in the West.

What’s the last movie you saw in the movie theatre?

Movie theatres are history. I watch movies on my PC. The last one I saw in the real theatre was the Pakistani movie Khuda Ke Liye, a surprisingly well-done story of an arranged forced marriage and clash with fundamentalist Islam.

So the last movie you saw online?

It was a documentary about Welsh communities in Patagonia.

Do you watch any Czech TV shows?

Castle bodyguards made me aware of the TV crime drama called Atentat, loosely based on the Office of the Czech President. A crazy but funny story, especially if you know the real characters pictured there.

Is there a character in that show that plays you?

Not yet, but I wonder as what I would be pictured if ever I was an inspiration for a character.

As a semi-professional chef, what did you make for dinner last night?

Szegedin goulash spiced with Costa Rican chili. No dumplings. Crossover cuisine made with classic ingredients. Take Central Europe and turn it into Central America.

You give your interviews with a smile and some people think that you are one of those who loves to hear himself talk. What do you intend to achieve with smiling?

I am so focused when on camera that I do not follow every gesture of mine. Quite often a smile is just the automatic reaction and confirmation that I used to be an introvert.

I found that sometimes the Czech media are not patriotic. There were so many historical and important events in the country, but they cover only what is negative or controversial. In your opinion, what are some great historical moments of the Czech Republic?

I totally agree. We somehow seem to be genetically negativistic. The result is that even the current engagement we have in Syria will definitely be a footnote in textbooks of diplomacy, but I guess it will not be a Czech textbook. Exactly as it happened a few years ago when our engagement helped end the civil war in Sri Lanka.

Over the years, key people from different governments all over the world have sought your opinion on solutions of current problems: for example, Israel/Palestine; or ISIS; what is your vision of peace in the Middle East?

Realistic. Peace is the time between wars. And we must do everything possible to prolong these periods.

The media love to cover you. Any conspiracy theory about you that you find most entertaining?

These theories are somehow too unintelligent to be entertaining. If I follow conspirators’ logic, then I would probably have to be Israeli Mossad, Russian FSB and Pakistani by now and all at the same time.

Do you get upset when the country makes diplomatic faux pas? What makes you upset?

When I watch something going wrong in front of my eyes without a chance to do something with it on the spot.

For example?

For example, when we closed the embassy in Kenya as part of austerity measures just to reopen it two years later. You lose money to get where you have already been. And then doing the very same in Colombia. Simply things like that.

It is a known fact that you collect hot sauces but do you know the actual number of them? Have you ever counted them?

Never. My best guess would be between one and two hundreds little bottles. But I suspect you ask me about that to learn if I have a way of finding out how many of them you have already consumed. If I am the collector, you are the chili eater.

I took pictures of the most remote places where journalists tried to find you. Any particular place that journalists got you, but I wasn’t around with the camera?

Naturally, a bathroom. You don’t know about this but some years ago I flushed down my cell phone when an unexpected phone call surprised me there.

By Indira Gumarova

Photos: Jiří Turek

Hynek Kmoníček is a Czech career diplomat and one of the most prominent political voices of the Czech Republic, currently serving as a Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the Czech Republic, and as Director of the International Department at the Office of the President. He started his diplomatic career in 1995 as a desk officer at the Middle East Department of the Czech Foreign Ministry. Since then, he served as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations and held roles of the Czech Ambassador in India, Australia and other countries. Graduated from South Bohemian University, with majors in classical guitar and pedagogy, he later earned a degree in English language studies from Charles University. Hynek Kmoníček also holds a degree in classical Arabic studies from Charles University and finished his studies at the post-graduate programme of modern history of the Middle East at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

“I am never afraid to work, I always set my goal high and choose the more difficult path. ”

The Austrian Heinz Reigl is one of the pioneers of foreign businesses in the Czech Republic, having set his foot on this uncharted ground in 1990, right after the revolution. Looking at his rich experience in leading positions, it comes as no surprise that he loves to see tangible results. This applies no less to professional business networks as he soon understood that they have the potential to be more than just prestigious “talking shops” for the elite. For seven years now, Reigl has presided over the Prague Skål Club. Under his leadership, Skål has evolved to be a vanguard of the professional networks in Prague.

The tourism platform Skål developed as the outcome of a business trip. In 1934, on the occasion of a new air route to Scandinavia, a group of Frenchmen went to visit their colleagues – in a time when networking rarely extended beyond national borders. Among all the foreign languages heard during the trip, remarkably, one particular word kept sticking: skål. The equivalent of the English “cheers” and the Czech “nazdraví”  became the name of a novel network, the first of its kind in tourism.

Aware of that danger and not afraid to challenge traditions, Reigl, as the club’s new president, was able to change Skål’s course. “We have managed to win many young people. This had been one of the key problems that the club was facing.” It is not without pride that Reigl can now feel a fresh momentum that is considerably owing to Prague’s contribution, acting as one of the vanguards on an international level. The club’s slogan is now “doing business among friends.”

Skål Prague is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year. Today, the club has 72 full members, fondly called “skålleagues,” as well as 18 members of Young Skål, where students have the rare chance to meet and mingle with top industry leaders on an equal level. Reigl praises the club’s cooperation with the college Vysoká Škola Obchodní as a vital source for students of tourism.

The development in Prague is exceptionally dynamic because the city’s high number of hotels inevitably leads to a certain degree of fluctuation in the club’s members. Whenever a hotel director is relocated to another country, Reigl springs into action, trying to win his or her successor. Skål’s members in Prague stem from a variety of countries, making English the club’s “lingua franca,” or common language.

Modernization has also affected the profile of Skål members. Today, tourism is perceived in broader terms than before. Thus, an IT provider who produces software for hotels fits seamlessly into the scope of the club’s members. In the spirit of opening doors, members from outside of Prague are also welcome. However, sufficient English skills are required for club membership. “A condition that regrettably is not met by all representatives of Czech tourism businesses,” Reigl says.

Even though Skål take pains to avoid falling back into its former elitist attitudes, he points out the need for Skål’s members to be in positions where they can make decisions in their professional environments. Otherwise, the entire platform would lose its meaning and relevance. The times of superficial “talking shops” are gone, and members are very much invited to share their professional experiences and talk about business. Skål invites high-ranking guest speakers to its regular meetings and seeks collaboration with media, such as PTV Media (www.prague.tv, www.praguemonitor.com, www.mansprichtdeutsch.cz). The club is increasingly understanding its own potential as a special interest group, whose voice should be heard.

Reigl is trying to create synergies with other networks and is not scared to approach politicians and diplomats in order to positively influence conditions for tourism. Even though direct involvement in politics is not on his agenda, he is fully aware that tourism is not possible without a conducive political climate. As an Austrian, he knows about the benefits of tourism for national economy. He regrets, however, that Czech politicians often perceive tourism as a blessing that came from nowhere and that thrives almost on its own. Even Prague’s attractiveness as a city doesn’t suffice to make it a flourishing tourist destination on its own.

Reigl depends on international networking to broaden Czech horizons and improve Skål’s work in Prague. “Particularly younger Czechs are now more open to change and to learning from others,” he says. He attributes this positive development mainly to increased international exchange and takes it as a confirmation of his chosen strategy for Skål in Prague.

Learn more about Skål Prague at www.skalclub.cz

Author: Czech Leaders in cooperation with Christoph Amthor, PragueConnect.cz

After more than 10 years of experience working for Café Coffee Day, owned by parent company Coffee Day Global Ltd., at their central headquarters in Bangalore, India, Ved Malhotra came to Prague as the company’s European GM in January of 2013.

While Vienna is known as “the capital of coffee,” the opportunities of expanding the company’s brand and franchise potential in Eastern Europe stemmed from the company’s acquisition of the Cafe Emporio chain in Prague in 2010. In the 10 years the company has been in the European market, Café Coffee Day has expanded to include 4 locations in Prague, Czech Republic as well as 6 locations in other Czech cities including Brno, Plzen, Most and Pardubice.

PragueConnect.cz met Malhotra at the recently reopened Fanta Cafe in the historic Fanta building of the Prague main train station to speak about Coffee Day’s emergence as an international coffee chain in the Czech Republic.

Although the family-owned company has been in the coffee business since 1870, the first Café Coffee Day cafe was opened in 1996 in Bangalore, India. Initially, the company’s coffee shops were places where Indian youth met to hangout, surf the internet and have a coffee. They served as internet cafes as much as specialty coffee houses. However, the brand soon spread across the country. CCD, as the brand is locally nicknamed, currently operates 1500 stores in 200 Indian cities and serves about 300,000 guests daily.

Currently, CCD is opening new cafes in India at the rate of 10-12 per month, in addition to the company’s recent expansion into Europe, Malaysia and Egypt.

The company’s founder V.G. Siddhartha is credited by Economic Times “for crafting a successful pan Indian brand from a commodity business and giving Indian consumers a new lifestyle experience that is within the reach of the common man.”

The origins of CCD’s coffee beans are steeped in an ancient legend that an Indian Sulfi saint smuggled 7 coffee beans from the nearby Ethiopian province and planted them in the hills of Southern India’s Western Ghats. Today, the company’s coffee beans are still raised in the Indian Highlands in the shade of trees on the company’s 12,000 acre plantations.  The berries are hand-picked when ripe and later roasted in the company’s own roasting plant. Coffee Day Global Ltd. is the largest producer of Arabica coffee in Asia and one of the top 3 exporters of green coffee in Asia. Currently 7,000 tons of coffee beans are roasted annually. The company employs its own research & development team which has created 22 different Indian coffee blends and 4 blends specifically for the European market.

In India, the brand has three distinct retail concepts, ranging from Café Coffee Day “Xpress” with 900+ kiosks located in shopping malls, corporate centers, hospitals and metro stations to “The Lounge” a sit-down coffee shop serving breakfast and lunch in metropolitan areas. At the pinnacle of coffee culture, CCD operates “The Square,” 7 premium luxury cafes with full-service restaurants, single origin coffees from around the world and coffee selections paired with food. Coffee Day “Fresh and Ground” retails fresh, ground coffee. The brand also sells a capsule machine and “WAKECUP” cups and was the first Asian brand to produce a single-cup system.

Café Coffee Day’s newest Czech coffee house, the Fanta Cafe epitomizes the vibrant, social coffee culture that the company would like to bring to each of its European coffee ventures.

When asked about the differences between Indian and European coffee house culture, Malhotra said. “Coffee is a bigger cafe culture in Europe. In India, it’s still growing. Europeans are used to staying an hour or two longer at the cafes. They meet with friends and stay for drinks other than coffee.” While Malhotra admits that Viennese coffee culture is more cosmopolitan than in the Czech Republic, he says that Czechs see coffee shops as social outlets.

In each of their European cafes, Café Coffee Day operates as a full table-service cafe, meaning that customers do not have to stand in line to order their coffee or carry it back to their seats. The CCD coffee houses serve sandwiches, pastries and homemade cakes as well as a breakfast combo, including fresh muesli. The Novy Smichov, Prague location has a full-kitchen offering international cuisine and Indian drink and food specialties. On the whole, the costs for CCD coffee drinks in the Czech market are slightly below those of American and British chains.

When I asked Malhotra if there were any difficulties particular to entering the Czech market, he admitted that learning the Czech language has been a challenge. However, from a business point he says, “I appreciate the fact that Czechs are straight-forward in business. They do not waste time being diplomatic. What they promise, they will deliver.” In the Czech Republic, he has gathered a professional team of employees; many are Czechs with international experience in the coffee and food industries.

In the future, Malhotra said, he’d like to introduce top-quality Indian coffee in full-service CCD cafes in more key European locations. Specifically, the company is looking at other Eastern European countries for possible franchise opportunities. In Prague, he’s interested in using the historic Fanta Cafe space for events, birthday parties, book readings or signings.

As Malhotra has learned, Czech cafe culture is strong.

Author: Czech Leaders in cooperation with Emily Prucha, PragueConnect.cz

“Each and every life is full of unexpected events, surprises, tests, happiness and disappointments. ”

For me, the phenomenon of Kühn’s Children’s Choir embodies the connection between classical music and other themes such as education, civil society, Czech legacy, and tradition.

For seven years I have witnessed how the choir functions, and I am still amazed how this group of more than 600 children, of different ages and levels of progress (from preschool years to adulthood), is organized. From their regular attendance to exams, we see the choir’s incredible determination through their performances, their hosting of operas and dramas, and their international tours to artistic summer camps (where more than 220 children meet), and in their the preparations for each upcoming season. All of this happens in a friendly and almost family-like atmosphere. Kühn’s Children’s Choir does not only give opportunities to the most advanced singers, but it also gives children the chance to perform in front of real audiences, children who come from different backgrounds,who may even have the chance to participate in an international tour.

The tradition of the Choir goes back to the year 1932, when Jan Kühn, an opera singer and  radio director, decided to organize a group of children from one of Prague’s schools, and teach them to cover difficult concerts and opera repertoires. This mission continues today. Kühn’s Children’s Choir is the only choir that has won three times at the international choir singing festival in Toulouse.

Known for its professionalism, the Choir is chosen by international artists like José Carreras, as well as by members of international state operas, national theatres, Summer Shakespeare celebrations and other professional organizations.

Over the next few months, you will be able to see Kühn’s Children’s Choir performing in Hansel and Gretel at the State opera, or at many Christmas concerts.

After many successful journeys to the USA, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, the concert department awaits their 2015 autumn tour in Australia.

Professor Jiří Chvála has been part of the Choir since 1958, and since 1967 he has been the chief choirmaster. Until now he has supervised the course of the Choir, carefully conducting the vocal warm-ups before the performances, and he also performs with the concert department. Professor Jiří Chvála is still teaching at the department of Music and Dance at the Academy of Performing Arts, and he is also the head of the mixed choir Canti di Praga.

The first traditional question – how do you perceive today´s world?

Each and every life is full of unexpected events, surprises, tests, happiness and disappointments. I cannot answer this question well. I just think that today’s human being – homo sapiens sapiens – understands the world and life less and less.

And how do you perceive the role of the Czech Republic in this world?

This question could be turned around. How do others perceive our role in this world? I think that we can agree that the imaginativeness of our heads, and skills of our hands, make a mark in the world. We should not forget how significantly Czech musicians “conquered” the world.

Is the old saying “Every Czech is born a musician” still valid?

It is true that music in the Czech environment has naturally cultivated all social classes. However, our contemporary lifestyle leads us somewhere else. Even though it is possible to download any record, people have lost the need to express themselves through music. Although it seems like our musical foundation is sinking, I am surprised by how many amazing young talents I meet in art schools. I think that natural musical behaviour, as when a mother sings to her baby, is missing now. This kind of contact is important for the development of personality, and without it, a child can hardly discover expression through singing.  This is one of the reasons why we accept pre-school children to our choir.

 The importance of Czech music is essential for spreading the good name of the Czech Republic abroad. Do you feel sufficient institutional support in this area?

Over the last few years, we have not received many offers from agencies to present our culture to the world. The only reason that we are appearing on international stages is because of our hard work and dedication. I feel as though creative and interpretative art has been left behind, and that nobody really cares about it anymore. There are many other things that should be financed first, however the issue is not only about money, it is also about interest and recognition that can encourage young people and set an example. Economic diplomacy is a term that is widely used in the Czech Republic. By the same token, cultural diplomacy is also  one of the best sources for drawing attention to us beyond our borders.

What role do you attribute to “art” classes (music, art, film, etc…) in the framework of education? Many prestigious schools abroad emphasise the importance of these subjects, while in the Czech Republic they are perceived as marginal, and the quality of the education is very low.

Both students and the public consider these subjects marginal and not important. It is not common for someone to fail art education or music education class. These classes must be about the relationship to the artistic discipline, and feeling aesthetic values, rather than learning a curriculum. Art education takes time and requires patience, because it does not have an immediate effect. This type of education deepens and enriches the personality of a child (as well as that of an adult) and the benefits are essential and irreplaceable. We should not forget that the development of science and technology needs to be balanced by different values, which are hidden inside our souls. We should take care to cultivate these values, particularly in children.

You have followed the legacy of the founder of the choir, Jan Kühn, throughout your teaching career. However, looking at your work, I see parallels with the great Czech teacher and 17^th century philosopher Johann Amos Comenius and his School by Play (Schola ludus).

It sounds great to be compared to Komenský’s vision about School by Play. When we do something for a long time and successfully, it really seems like we are playing. However, our success is the result of great effort and painstaking work. For years I have been trying with the choir and my co-workers to develop Kühn’s legacy. I am honoured that I was his student at the Academy of Musical Arts, and then his co-worker.

Experts indicate that the new generation of children is not interested in leisure activities and sports, but rather spends time in front of the computer. Kühn’s Children’s Choir is successful and the number of children is rising. What is your explanation for your success?

It is not easy, even for our choir. Even though we see a lot of interest, it is mostly the pre-school kids that come. This is because parents want to orient their children toward sports, languages and other activities. I can see that the older kids who join the choir have poor vocal expression and no previous experience. This could be due to, as you said, too much time spent in front of computer screens. Professional choir is not the solution to this problem, however it can encourage activity, creativity, discipline and musical sensibility. And that means a lot.

Every year you take a large number of children to the preparatory department, and the exams are not very hard. Do you support the theory that everybody can sing?

We always mention on our leaflets that we take children with healthy voices, and with a good sense of hearing. And that is still valid. However, the number of children with damaged voices is increasing. We tend to believe that we could bring up singers with average talent.  That does not mean that we cannot work with talented children. We have many examples of singers who started in Kühn’s choir, where we gave them solid training, and they continued in their career to become soloists, in the National Theatre for example.

It seems that Kühn’s Children’s Choir has reached the goals that it set out to achieve. Do you have some unfulfilled dream?

In 1967, when I was commissioned to lead Kühn’s Children’s Choir, I felt a huge responsibility. At that time, I could not imagine how many beautiful tasks I would fulfill, how many great people I would meet and work with. I did not even imagine that we could perform on prestigious podiums in Milan, New York, Moscow, and tour in Japan and America. I wish that my successors find great joy, happiness and life fulfilment in the development of our choir.

Your final words for the readers of Czech Leaders Magazine?

We should honour Czech musical tradition, our choirs, and the biggest treasure passed on by generations in the form of Czech folk songs. In a few days, we are releasing a new CD recording with 35 beautiful folk songs. May this collection make us all happy.

Kateřina Glacnerová from the Anglo-American University helped with the translation and abridged version.

“Sponsors are afraid to be associated with cancer. ”

Our society is healthy and aware of the need to help others, yet, according to Michaela Fridrichová, it is necessary to address the public repeatedly and by new means. What does the League do, and what issues is it focusing on right now?

Dear President, the League Against Cancer was one of the first non-profit organizations founded in our modern history. Most people associate it with its symbolic yellow flowers. Are the flowers still the main symbol of the League?

The League Against Cancer Prague has a logo in the shape of a shamrock, symbolizing the three main pillars of our activities. One leaf symbolizes science and research, the second one represents the lives of oncological patients, and the third leaf stands for the promotion of the prevention of oncological diseases. Below the leaves you can see our name – The League Against Cancer Prague. The truth is that for many people, the main symbol of the League is a yellow flower of Marigold, which represents the fund-raising campaign on the Czech Day Against Cancer. I am glad that as a helping organization we are connected to a healing plant.

Every year, you focus on one area during May Day. This year, you decided on oncological diseases of reproduction organs. Why?

Every year, we concentrate on the promotion of possible prevention of one oncological disease. Of course, we choose the diseases which are preventable. I mean those diseases which may be caused by a certain life-style or behavior. What we promote is a timely secondary prevention, because the primary prevention – e.g. vaccination – is possible only for a few diseases. For this year, we decided on the issue of oncological diseases of reproduction organs. It is quite a big issue, so we limited the topic to cervix tumors and other tumors of the vagina, and we briefly mentioned tumors of the ovaries. Regarding men, we focused on testicle tumors, which is not such a common disease, but affects mainly young men between the ages of 18-40. A questionnaire survey conducted by a very capable young female student from Liberec revealed that out of 300 young men, as many as 71% never heard about this disease, and never read any informational materials about it. The rest of the data was similarly sad. It is a disease curable in 95% of people, but it may be fatal as well. Ectocervix tumors are mostly diagnosed in young women.

How can it be prevented?

In this case, real primary prevention means the vaccination of young girls and women against certain types of human papillomaviruses. These papillomaviruses are proved to be able to induce cancer, and vaccination against them can decrease the occurrence of disease by 70%. The ideal time for vaccination is before the first contact between the cervical mucous membrane and virus; it is suitable for young girls aged 13-14. This vaccination is covered by health insurance. Internationally, it is recommended to vaccinate young boys against the same viruses, with the aim of reducing the risk of spreading disease to their partners. The protection of young people is very important, maybe the most important of all our efforts. Children are our hope for the future, and without them there is no future for families or communities.

Was there ever a moment during the 25-year history of the League when you considered quitting these activities? After all, newer organizations have come.

I don´t think non-profit organizations compete much, they rather cooperate. If they are not supported by a really big foundation, their work is very difficult, and getting new voluntary workers is harder than you may think. I can´t speak for the Professor, but in my case there was never a moment during those 5 years when I thought of quitting. The number of oncological patients is growing, people need the information. We are not alone, our organization belongs among the World and European leagues against cancer, although we don´t have any state support, nor any big foundation sponsoring our activities. However, through our work over many years, we have kind of cultivated our own public space, so that it is generally accepted that we do common voluntary work, and our charitable activities are normal.

How much did the work of charities in our country change after DMS, i.e. donors sms messages, were introduced?

I don´t see any difference in the work of charities. For many people DMS is a very comfortable and easy way of contributing.

There are many organizations in the Czech Republic which focus on the support of oncological patients. How can we know if they are trustworthy?

I think that Good Angel and similar organizations are trustworthy. Moreover, every organization has their annual report with an overview of their income, expenditures, donors, and contributors. There you can easily see how the organization works.

Is today´s society more inclined to help than at the time of the League´s foundation?

I am afraid that society is inundated with fund-raising organizations, and real or fake volunteers, who stop passers-by for one good thing or another. Society is tired of this, stressed by the international situation, local conditions, and the never ending pressure for “charity”, which often plays a role of a substitute for our health system, as well as state and other institutions. Generally, our society is healthy, it is aware of the need to help others. I don´t think the situation is getting worse, but the financial possibilities of people are changing.

The League concentrates in three areas. First, there is the prevention of oncological diseases, and education about healthy lifestyles. Are strong stories still helping to educate people, or do you have to come up with new ways of education?

We are not necessarily looking for strong stories; it is really tricky to tell the story of a patient and his or her family. Of course, we try to address society repeatedly and by new means, but we also respect the privacy of patients. We prefer working with friendly media, and with their help we try new ways of prevention and education about healthy lifestyles.

Another area you focus on is in improving the quality of life of oncological patients. What concretely can you do in this respect?

We try to provide patients with various information, organize and co-finance rehabilitation and re-fitness stays for 4 or more days, we help our patients raise funds, and we run a “tumor” phone hotline – an information service for patients and family members or other people to discuss their problems with oncological professionals. Of course, we reply to email enquiries and have our webpage for the public, as well as our Facebook page, etc. Social networks are the future of our projects, as you are not able to address the young generation anywhere else. We miss more helping hands.

The last area is the support for oncological research and equipment for oncological centers. These must be the most costly, right?

Every year we use our funds to support various projects of research centers that apply for co-financing from the League. If the project is interesting from an oncological research standpoint, or a basic research point of view, we try to grant a request. Unfortunately, there is not enough money for all projects, as we are not able to provide 2-3 million CZK and thus substitute the role of the Grant Agency. We strive to help health care institutions with purchasing special aids for radiotherapy, or for example the pumps for chemotherapy. We always choose such things that make the lives of oncological patients easier, or improve the conditions of treatments and so on. We also try to help hospices, and if their requests are reasonable we help. We may not provide money for salaries. There is never enough money but we try to minimize the cost of the League´s operations as much as possible, and we account for every single crown.

What projects is the League preparing right now?

Currently, we have started a Travelling Exhibition to seven Czech and Moravian towns. Every year we try to visit new towns and interactively bring the parents and children to read the information and take part in our competitions, and thus teach them something in an interesting way. New panels bring updated information on the main oncological diagnoses, and at least one day we provide the visitors with dermatology services, where they can get their skin checked, and if necessary get advice on how to further proceed for treatment. At the beginning of autumn, a patients´ assembly will take place, this time for two days. It is possible to meet the representatives of patients´ clubs, and exchange our experience and ideas. For December, we are preparing a Christmas concert.

Do you appreciate higher donations than the minimum of 20 CZK for your flowers? Well, we set the minimum price per flower, not the maximum (laughter). We have sponsors who contribute regularly, we have donation agreements, you can deduct donations from your tax, and we never refuse good cooperation!

Is it complicated to win favor with bigger donors? What is the most difficult part of it?

The biggest problem is addressing potential sponsors. They are mostly not interested in our issues, or they are afraid of them. For them, it is neither an honour nor a pleasure to sponsor the League´s activities, as they are afraid to be connected (although just verbally) with cancer. This is the difference when compared to other European countries where sponsoring of such activities is common among big companies.

What do you enjoy most in your work as a head of the League?

Cooperation with a great small creative team of people, who work to make the League run like clockwork, even 26 years after its foundation.

Who do you think is a true leader?

This is actually a very difficult question. For me, the international leader is Pope Francis. If only one-half of humankind used the same common sense, there would be no wars or poverty. If the other half of humankind had his heart, the world would become a paradise. In our country, I see a leader in the incredible but neglected personality of Professor Erazim Kohák. For him, the same holds true as for the Pope. His view of the world, of history, of moral principles, and his wide scope, deep knowledge, common sense and all-understanding of humanity make him an astounding personality! It is a pity that we don´t have more opportunities to hear his opinions.

By: (jk)

“I would like to help connect Czech know-how with Luxembourg’s financial potency and experience. ”

In January of 2015, long-time diplomat H.E. Petr Kubernát became an extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Czech Republic to Luxembourg. He has plenty of working experience in the state administration, as well as the private sector, where he also held the position of the President of the Netherlands-Czech Chamber of Commerce. What are his goals in the new position, and where does he find opportunities for Czech companies?

Dear Ambassador, you started your diplomatic career in 1992. Why did you not start in 1984, when you completed your studies at Kiev State University, in the Faculty of International Relations and International Law, where you specialized in International Economic Relations?

In those days, international business seemed more attractive to me than diplomacy. In addition, my internship experience confirmed the fact that, in those days, ministries of foreign affairs and diplomacy in general were rather about shallow political games, behind-the-scenes plays, and the pursuit of personal gain. That was one of the reasons why I decided to work for the foreign trade company Centrotex, where I worked in the export department for 8 years, and gradually worked up to the position of Vice Manager of the trade department. In 1992, I was attracted to the position of Economic Secretary of the then Permanent Mission, awarded by the European Community in Brussels. In competing for that position, I was the favorite of a three-round competition, so in the fall of 1992 I entered the field of diplomatic services.

After becoming ambassador, the first place you served was in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. While you only just recently arrived to Luxembourg, is it possible to compare the two places?

On one hand, Luxembourg and the Netherlands are two very different countries, but on the other hand they also have a lot in common. That must also be the reason for their successful cooperation in Benelux. Let´s look, for example, at the same pragmatic approach the citizens of the two countries take when solving their problems, let’s look at their straightforward manners, their positive attitudes to foreigners, their feelings for business, their skills in navigating the international environment, and their abilities to communicate in multiple languages, and so on. They are similar people indeed.

Ok, but was the Netherlands special in any way, in respect to your profession?

 In the Netherlands, my bilateral agenda was markedly enhanced by its multilateral dimension, e.g. in the field of international law. At the same time, I was a permanent representative of the Czech Republic in the OPCW (Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) and as the first Czech, I was elected a chairman of the Executive Board. So, the Czech Republic was actually managing the whole organization for one year. For this agenda, we did a lot of work with my colleagues, and I am glad that the Czech Republic left a very good track record in the Haag. In the Netherlands, the important priorities for me were public diplomacy and support of economic trade relations. And these are the issues I would like to carry on in Luxembourg as well.

Due to cost-saving measures, the Czech Republic closed down its residential embassy in Luxembourg. Do you think this was a good decision in 2012?

I have never considered the decision to close down our embassy in Luxembourg a good step. Unfortunately, the embassy in Luxembourg was among the ten embassies chosen before 2012 to be closed down for financial reasons. Although the Luxembourgers tried to understand our reasons, they were not pleased at all. They left their Prague embassy open anyway. Of course, the fact that our embassy was closed down influenced our bilateral relations. Now, after the re-opening of the embassy, we are able to build on the previous activities in some areas of cooperation. However, elsewhere we are starting again from zero, like in 2002 when our residential embassy was opened in Luxembourg. Besides, the lives of more than 1500 Czechs living in Luxembourg were complicated by this decision, because they had to contact our Brussels embassy 220km away with all of their consular issues (inquiries for birth and marriage certificates, new passports, verifications of documents, criminal record statements, etc.). The other option for them was to solve these issues when visiting Prague. Furthermore, there was the fact that the Czech state kept ownership of the beautiful embassy building in Luxembourg, which previously belonged to the former Luxembourg Prime Minister Pierre Werner. The villa underwent a complete reconstruction and it was necessary to temper it, especially in winter, to provide all year round ventilation, and monitor it with a security agency. All of this cost money too.

You say that we can build on our relationship with Luxembourg. Luxembourg Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn said that with the re-opening of the Czech embassy at the beginning of this year, a new chapter on mutual relations was opened. What did you manage to write for this new chapter during the last six months?

Within the scope of diplomatic activities in a foreign country, six months is too short of a time. Moreover, every new ambassador has to get to know the country of his assignment first, undergo a series of protocol and courtesy meetings, and establish important contacts throughout all areas of public life.

Since July 1st, Luxembourg has been the presidential country of the European Union…

 Yes, this situation may often keep us fully occupied. However, we aren’t wasting any time, and we have already organized several cultural events, or cooperated as event co-organizers. Until the end of the year we will be preparing a seminar on economic opportunities in the Czech Republic, together with the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. The main speaker will be the Minister of Industry and Trade Jan Mládek. At the same time, the seminar will mark the beginning of the preparations of the Luxembourg business mission to the Czech Republic, planned for the second half of 2016. In cooperation with the importer of Škoda cars to Luxembourg, we are working on the introduction of the new Škoda Superb model, and we are preparing the audiovisual presentation of the projects connected to this year’s anniversary of Mister Jan Hus’ death. For the end of the year, we want to arrange one more classical music concert. Also, we are diligently preparing for the upcoming year, which will mark the 700^th birthday of King Charles IV. With selected Luxembourg partners, we are discussing the arrangement of a series of conferences on the topic, exhibitions, and a medieval music concert. We would like to enhance awareness and deepen the knowledge of Luxembourgers, especially the young generation, on the personality of King Charles IV.

Let´s talk some numbers now – Luxembourg is the fourth biggest foreign investor in the Czech Republic. Regarding the trade of goods, it is the 45^th most important export partner of the Czech Republic, and 38^th regarding imports. For Luxembourg, the Czech Republic is the 19^th most important supplier and 16^th  most important purchaser. These are interesting numbers.

Yes, you are right; these are interesting numbers, especially if we count per citizen (when possible). Otherwise, the Luxembourg market is small, not only in area but in the number of people as well. And so no dramatic increase of export or import may be expected. On the other hand, if you consider the so-called Great Region, consisting of Luxembourg, Belgian Wallonia, French Lorraine, and German Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate, you have a market which represents an area of more than 65 thousand km2 with 11.3 million inhabitants. At the same time, it is a reference market, where you can test potential interest in your products or services in four countries at one go.

What are the benefits of having permanent representation in the country?

Besides the traditional role of all our representative offices abroad, which is to protect the Czech Republic abroad and Czech peoples’ interests, and to promote our country, I think every embassy should be helpful in establishing contacts between individual business subjects of both countries, i.e. opening the right doors, and in creating a positive environment for business. Searching for potential business opportunities for Czech subjects, and support of the development of economic diplomacy, will surely be among my priorities in Luxembourg. What I mean by that is searching for more sophisticated forms of trade and economic cooperation, for example through the connection of Czech know-how with Luxembourg´s financial potency and experience, rather than just the simple support of our export growth. That is because I can see some logical limitations here in the local market’s limited capacity for absorption.

However, Czech representation in Luxembourg is quite small.

I think the size of our team is quite sufficient and corresponds with the tasks we are supposed to follow, as well as the priorities we set ourselves. A higher number of employees does not necessarily equate to better performance. Unlike the big embassies, we have to communicate more with each other, perform cumulative functions, participate on the fulfillment of tasks, and rely on colleagues to dutifully complete their tasks. Moreover, we are in a certain trial period here, shortly after the re-opening of the embassy, so we need some more time to be able to evaluate the efficiency of our activities, and decide if the number of personnel and their portfolios are sufficient.

What are the concrete opportunities that Luxembourg is offering to Czech companies right now? What are they focused on?

Luxembourg is especially interested in information and communication technologies, biotechnologies, renewable energy sources, enviromentaly friendly technologies, and everything connected to transport infrastructure. It seems that we can be successful in the construction industry here too. The thing is, Luxembourg has a somewhat neglected housing sector, and now they are trying to catch up. There is a lack of flats as well as residential houses, and if you find some, they are really expensive to buy or rent. I can actually speak from my own personal experience, since I was looking for a suitable accommodation for six months. The construction of transport infrastructure could be another field where Czech companies may be successful. However, it is necessary to prepare for serious competition, especially from Luxembourg’s neighboring countries, which are desperately trying to catch up in the Luxembourg market.

As we already mentioned above, Luxembourg currently holds the presidency of the European Council. Does this mean more duties for an ambassador in Luxembourg?

Definitely so. Basically it represents an extra agenda for the six-month presidency. But I am not alone here. Our small team was strengthened by a colleague from headquarters, who is primarily responsible for any issues connected with the presidency. A lot of these responsibilities are matters of coordination and logistics. For me it means more meetings and discussions, while on the other hand the presidency brings me the opportunity to meet most members of the Czech government or their deputies, chairmen of some parliamentary committees of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, and colleagues from other ministries who come for informal and formal meetings connected to the Luxembourg presidency.

Luxembourg is the country with the highest nominal GDP per capita worldwide. Is this visible in everyday life?

The benefits for Luxembourg’s citizens arising from this fact are probably not so visible at first sight, but of course they are benefiting. I can mention for example some general social benefits, targeted direct contributions for specific groups of citizens, and also the level of the state support for culture. Statisticians often discuss the possible misrepresentation of Luxembourg’s GDP per capita, based on the 180 thousand so-called peddlers who are not true citizens of Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is the richest country of the EU, and the standard of living is high here, but prices are high too. You can see that practically everywhere. A certain role is also definitely played by the fact that Luxembourg has a high concentration of banks. The country hosts the seats or branches of more than 140 banks. For foreign banks it is a matter of prestige to have representation in Luxembourg. Many of them truly directly operate in Luxembourg, and serve their clients in the west, as well as southern Europe. Luxembourg is also the seat of several important Union institutions like the European Investment Bank, the Court of Justice of the EU, Eurostat, and parts of some Directorates-General of the European Commission. Here, you can also find the seats of big international companies like Amazon, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the satellite company SES, Goodyear, DuPont and more. And you can also add the companies which chose Luxembourg as their seat due to tax optimization.

Can you describe Luxembourg’s business environment?

It is very transparent and quite often predictable. This is a very important attribute for companies and firms operating here. Here you do not often see changes in the national economy. Future changes are always discussed with all interested subjects, including businesses. All possible impacts of potential legislative changes, or the introduction of brand new legislative standards, are evaluated in detail. It is not unusual that research and independent institutional studies of possible impacts are arranged. The overall tax burden of companies is low. Luxembourg state administration is, considering the number of employees, small but quite efficient. The size of the country does not require a high number of state sector employees anyway. Often, the functions are cumulative, while on the other hand you can also find part-time employment, especially for working mothers. Many ministries are located at one place, in a so-called government quarter near the historical center of the capital city, so even the often tiring office commute has been reduced.

Being so busy, do you have any free time at all? And how do you use it?

I always try to save some free time to be able to compensate demanding working days with necessary relaxation; however, I am not always successful. This presidential year appears quite difficult for me. But when I do have some free time, I go biking. I have been enjoying that since the time of my appointment in the Netherlands. However, the truth is they don´t have a complex system of bike trails here, and terrain is much more difficult. Besides this, I also like in-line skating, and in winter we “obligatorily” go skiing for at least a week. Usually I prefer downhill skiing, but lately I have again acquired a taste for country skiing too. In summer, it is another obligatory week of swimming and seaside relaxation. I can also relax at a good movie, but recently I have no time for reading books and listening to classical music.

By: (jk)

“We cannot afford to lose the talent and skills of women. ”

It will soon be one year since you became Commissioner. How do you evaluate the past year?

It was a hectic year for me but very interesting. I got into this new field and caught on a wide portfolio. As you know, I come from a different area and I had to adapt to diverse work modes. I had to demonstrate high knowledge when communicating with top experts from justice (prosecutors, judges), ministers, but also business people. In my portfolio, there is the reform of personal data protection at the top, but also the EU-US negotiations on data protection or the preparation of the European Public Prosecutor. And there are other agendas where I am engaged, for instance the new security strategy. There are the challenges of political and societal events across the world and shifts faced by today´s Europe. I am part of a political body that has the competence to act in some areas while in others we have limited powers such as asylum and migration policies. In spite of that, there is a willingness and effort to tackle these issues at EU level. I feel that we live in a remarkable times where we can seize unique opportunities to find new solutions in many fields.

Your portfolio covers justice, consumer protection and equal opportunities. In the Czech Republic, the gender policy is still considered as an alternative medicine. Why is it so important and why should there be higher number of women in company boardrooms?

When reading reactions from the Czech Republic, I have the feeling that there is a high number of women with low self-confidence and bigger group of men alarmed asking “what do you want from us”?! I realized that the issue is misunderstood widely in the Czech Republic. This is also why l decided to bring in economic arguments. Personally, I believe that we waste investment we put in women’s education as 60% of university graduates are women and only 10% of them are later on in managing positions in companies and 20% in boards. I perceive a similar trend in the justice or IT professions. Women have a great skills and education. Barriers to women employment in labour market cost some EU countries nearly 5% of their GDP. We have to combine legislative and non-legislative measures. Mainly on the side of employers, where we have to initiate part-time, work from home, co-working, etc. The directive on increasing women’s participation in decision making – so called Women on boards – was a reaction to economic and financial crisis. It has been proven that gender balanced management can sense the crisis sooner. Men use to solve problems with “run and tasks”, women with self-reflection. Listed companies, addressed by the newly proposed legislation, are the giants who are visible and should therefore become an ethical role model for others. Within the Commission, we have also introduced gender policy and we have set up targets for women involvement in top management. It is a systematic work and part of it is also to prepare the ground for these women and develop their talent.

In May, the Commission published the Digital Single Market Strategy. In its framework, you are working on the Digital contract proposal which is a follow-up of unsuccessful proposal for the Common European Sales Law (CESL). What is the goal of the new proposal and how do you ensure it will get support in the Council?

I am meeting with business and consumers representatives regularly. They all agree that it would be helpful to have common rules in the EU. I also got support from the governments. We have to bear in mind that by creating common rules we are intervening in national Civil laws. Online trade is a specific matter. Digital world does not like virtual boarders and our duty is to harmonise the rules. Concrete examples of some Member states show that a specific regulation for online sale of digital content works in practice. In the area of tangible goods online sales we still need to work further and consult the public. On the other hand, I believe that we cannot distinguish offline and online environments. A number of companies are active in both modes, and different rules for each environment would greatly complicate the business. Such a world cannot be divided. Impact assessment under the preparation will show us in which direction to go; one way could be to simplify consumers law. This is, among other things, an area that I want to focus on in the years to come. I would like to carry out a major review of consumers law, as a number of legislative acts come from the 80s and are obsolete.

One of the most important topics in your portfolio is undoubtedly the data protection reform which is to be finalised at the end of the year. What is in for business and what does the right to be forgotten concretely means for companies?

Personal information stored online can be outdated or distorted. The server can continue to make a false description of the subject. The right to be forgotten is a tool to repair the damage. The reform, in general terms, will establish a single, pan-European law for data protection, replacing the patchwork of national laws. This will make it easier for companies to operate in the EU, as they won’t have to deal with 28 data protection rules. For SMEs it means less obligations to report to the supervisory data protection authorities, for all companies it will bring money saving for legal assistance in different countries they operate. The new legislation will ensure a quick solution to repair the damage via a one-stop-shop that will help the companies to tackle the problem at home and not in another Member State. I look forward to put the legislation into practice. We will accompany the implementation of the new legislation by an information campaign to make companies aware of their responsibilities and the rights of the subjects who entrust their data to them.

Data protection of EU citizens is also a part of the EU-US negotiations. How will the reform be reflected at EU level in the EU-US negotiations on data protection?

Safe Harbour, a data protection agreement to protect the privacy of EU citizens, was criticised by many Members of the European Parliament, but we received strong guarantees from the US side in terms of strengthened control of the system. We have also agreed on a sanctions mechanism. I have personally negotiated with high representatives from the US administration. We are still negotiating over the access of the US secret services to EU citizen’s data. We need to define the particular cases when the US secret services will have the right to access European data. It is very sensitive and we have the EU citizens’ privacy as a priority. We want to have annual report from the US to have a clear view and we look for strong guarantees. Our goal is to reach high security of data and avoid spying. In September, I will present the report of the EU-US negotiations on data protection progress to the College of Commissioners and to the Members of the European Parliament. At the same time, we are finalising an umbrella agreement with the US on police and judicial cooperation.

The Commission is preparing a work programme for the next year. What kind of initiatives can we expect in your portfolio?

In the next year, among others, we will focus on insolvency rules. We wish to give a second chance to entrepreneurs who did not succeed. Better alignment of rules in the European Union means better conditions for foreign investors. Furthermore, we will be dealing with several proposals in the area of work-life balance but also in family law, e.g. revision of the Brussels IIa regulation, which is inter alia dealing with the cases of cross-border child care responsibilities. In this respect, I appreciate the better regulation agenda of the Commission, which is assessing the proposals before their adoption. Impact assessments and public consultations help us to avoid negative impacts of proposed legislation.

What is your opinion on immigration quotas? Shall we look at a prevention plan?

The numbers are warning. This is a reason why I think we have to look for a European solution. It calls for a new asylum policy. The solution must come with a whole range of measures including prevention. First of all, we have to help the refugees who are suffering from war conflicts and are in life threatening situation. This plight points out the lack of key competences and we need to decide quickly about a common action. We have to make sure to tackle the smugglers networks as well.

How far are you in the preparation of the independent European Public Prosecutor´s Office?

 We need to prosecute and bring to justice those who commit criminal offences affecting the Union’s financial interests. I want to put in place a strong, independent and efficient European Public Prosecutors Office to protect taxpayer’s money against fraud to the EU budget. At this stage, we are finalising the scope, in other words the kind of cases the prosecutor will be responsible for. The discussions with the Member states are going in the right direction. I would like to entrust the European Prosecutor with the competence to deal with VAT and in particular with carousel fraud. National treasuries lose billions of euros in potential tax revenues in this case. We have commissioned a study to quantify the loss of carousel fraud and quantify the benefit of a solution at the EU level.

What is the major difference between national and EU politics?

The political culture in Brussels is at high level and top politicians enjoy a great respect. In the Czech Republic it is rather the contrary. The higher you get, the less respect you have. On the other hand, I am missing a dash of directness, which I am accustomed to. Domestic policy is undoubtedly less diplomatically correct.

Thank you for the interview!

Alena Mastantuono, Director of CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU

“I definitely see many great changes happening. ”

I was excited to meet Mr. Serge Borenstein, CEO of Karlín Group and the man who is primarily associated with the successful and innovative development of more than 400, 000 sq meters of Prague quarter Karlín.  I belong to the generation that remembers how Karlín used to look shortly before the Velvet Revolution (and also after being badly affected by the floods in 2002), and so I can still recall the bad reputation that was associated with this rather “industrial, dirty and risky“ part of Prague. I was looking forward to meeting someone so visionary, who fell in love with this part of Prague instantly while flying over it in a journey from Prague to Karlovy Vary in the revolutionary year 1989.  As an advocate of many forms of diversity, I was ready to discuss the advantages of a place that has a unique value in its “mixture of apartments, offices and wonderful places to relax”. And last but not least, I appreciated Mr. Borenstein´s activities in trying to not only improve the image of “developers”, but also in educating both public and civil servants about the trends and needs associated with latest in urban development.

Our interview obviously took place in Karlín Group´s offices in Karlín.  I appreciated how central this area was, as it took me only 15 minutes to get there.  Looking out of a window of the modern office building, sensitively built to fit with the old neighboring porch houses, seeing the busy street with cafés and people walking on it, I also succumbed to the genius loci of the place.

Mr. Borenstein, extremely busy and cautious of his time, sees himself as “an optimist, a born optimist and hoping to die like this day one day“. He responded quickly and addressed topics and challenges that far exceed the scope of architecture. It revealed the complexity of issues that urban development is connected to.  Me being Czech and naturally avoiding conflicts, I enjoyed Mr. Borenstein´s answers and comments that were very straight forward and often critical.

Mr. Borenstein, you have witnessed development in the Czech Republic since the 1990s.  How would you reflect the latest development here and in the world?

“I definitely see many great changes happening.  New technologies, new means of communication, freedom of expression and freedom of movement can help a Europe that has become too conservative. Especially in the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary, where society used to be very homogenous, people now must adapt to the growing population of immigrants, not only refugees but foreigners coming to work and live, and this trend is irreversible.  This being said, I strongly agree that the refugee problem should be solved in a much better, organized way. During the last few years, Europe has turned a blind eye to the refugee problem, which I consider to be one of the most important challenges we face. I do not perceive it as a religious conflict, but as a conflict between conservative forces who like to keep their advantages on one side, and supporters of progress who want to adapt to life today.  Europe truly needs to change.  There is no place for racism, and many cities (especially in the US) can serve as an example that different people can live together and prosper together in multicultural societies.”

If we discuss this conflict between conservatives and modernists with regards to Prague development, then two opposing views emerge:  Those who want to preserve Prague as a medieval town ghetto, and those who want to build a modern city with a skyline of skyscrapers. How can these two opposing views be reconciled?

“But preserving the city does not necessarily mean being conservative and against development.  It is true that the inner city of Prague is quite unique and should be preserved exactly as it is.  There are enough places to develop around the center of Prague.  Just take examples from cities like Shanghai or Beijing that protected the old part of the city and built new parts far from the center.  In this case I cannot give examples from the US, as cities in the US do not have these old parts due to their rather recent history. However, protecting old monuments should not become a mantra against the development of a city.”

What is a model city that Prague should follow with regards to urban development?

“Well, I start with enlarging the perspective, as modern city development is not only about architecture.  It is also about public transportation and circulation. And with regards to public transport, Czechs are still very much advanced.  I am always amazed by the efficiency of Prague public transport which consists of the metro, trams and buses. Prague transportation is very efficient when compared to other cities.  Besides Prague, my favorite city is London.  I think London presents an interesting mix of conservative approach and modernity.  You can find the most modern buildings neighboring old monasteries and museums and it works very well.  Britons have done a marvelous job with regards to planning.  One more thing that is worth noticing is the small details in the forms of ornaments or symbols that new buildings share with the neighboring monuments, so as to create a fit that feels very natural.  Brits are extremely clever in handling these details, and that is why a totally modern building close to an old church does not look shocking but a quite natural fit. ”

Your nickname is Mr. Karlín.  Are there any other particular locations that you wish your name to be associated with nowadays, apart from your current projects in Prague 2 or Prague 4 Modřany?

“It is interesting because I never wished to have this nickname, but it came and I accepted it.   With regards to other areas of Prague, I feel very comfortable both driving and walking in Prague 7, and that is the area that I would like to help develop, as I continue working in the above mentioned parts of Prague.”

You mentioned that Karlín prices should be closer to the price range in Prague 1, given its prestige  and central location. This statement did not bring you many supporters, because Czech people are quite price sensitive.  Aren’t you afraid that the partnerships and community would disappear, and  Karlín would become a ghost town like the centre of Prague?

“I really feel that Karlín is unique and I stick to the statement regarding its rising value.  There are not many places like this in Prague where people can come to live, work and enjoy culture.  Besides many cafés, restaurants and galleries, Karlín has a modern large theatre with seating occupancy for 2500 people and a modern concert hall.  When you compare this to Prague 1, the office buildings in Prague 1 are not efficient.  They do not have parking spaces, they are not easily accessible from the street.  In Karlín, the fact that office buildings border residence buildings makes access much easier.  When I started, I was told that I cannot mix office and residential. I wanted to prove that this diversity would work.”

Your aim is to improve the image of developers, and you even co-founded an association of developers that brought together your competitors, not only to improve their image but also the communication with authorities.

“I agree with you that the image of developers is bad in Czech Republic.  But why is the image of developers so bad?  It is because the communication is almost non-existent between the developers and authorities.  Development in the city cannot be done without them.  In reality, when one half of construction contracts come from the state, the situation is detrimental.  The developer is perceived as an enemy.  I do not feel welcome when I enter the office and talk to the authorities, and feel I always have to fight hard to push things forward, when I would much rather negotiate.  The situation went too far when Mr. Stropnický declared that Prague does not need developers at all.  If you consider that this is the person responsible for the development, then you see this is an aberration.  The fact that I have developed more than 400, 000 sq meters in Karlín, and none of the openings were visited by representatives from the city, speaks for itself.”

What is your message to foreigners living in the Czech Republic?

Make an effort to understand the Czech mentality, the Czechs are not so expressive and warm hearted at first sight, as for example Italians, but gradually you can develop relationships that are very deep and long-lasting.

What is your message to Czechs?

I believe that Czechs should stand up for themselves more.  Sometimes they should not accept the situation as it is, and fight for better solutions, especially in politics.  You have a wonderful country, but you should also resist the temptation to become too nationalistic.   It always surprised me how many Czech people were successful abroad in experts positions as architects, lawyers, doctors, artists.  This trend  can continue only if you continue to be open to the rest of the world, which brings our discussion from the beginning to full circle.”

Did you know that the population density in Prague per square km is 2,534 people, in comparison to 4,132 in Vienna, 6,015 in Copenhagen and 16,096 inhabitants in Barcelona?  Prague is one of the most  “sparsely” inhabited cities, which causes problems not only with expensive infrastructure maintenance but also with regards to sustaining small shops and businesses in areas further from the center.  The “urban sprawl” problem is common to many cities, and the remedy is to bring the development back to centers of cities, using brownfields in forms of former train stations or factories.   

By Linda Štucbartová

“Czech people are very industrious, very pragmatic. ”

Did you know that the order of the Maltese knights has the full name of “Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta”? Did you know that the oldest uninterrupted presence of the Order, and thus the oldest Grand Priory, is in Prague? How does someone who is hard to find information about online end up having four hundred guests at their farewell party?

E. Mario Quagliotti is a rather extraordinary man, remarkable for his experience, deep wisdom, energy and vitality, yet very simple and modest. It was a privilege for Czech Leaders Magazine to conduct an interview upon H.E. Quagliotti´s leaving the post of the Ambassador of the Order of Malta in Prague. Although he started our interview saying that his story is quite simple, throughout the discussion we uncovered a 900 year history of the Maltese Order, its service to the vulnerable and the sick, its passion for countries Mario Quagliotti has served in, his views on Czechs (considering the fact that he has been married for 45 years to Mathilda Nostitz), and much more…

Your Excellency, do you believe that life is a journey, or do you look at life as a mission to be accomplished?

“I have never thought of it that way, and I must admit my story is quite simple. I have been an Italian diplomat for 42 years, posted in Yugoslavia, Germany, the Soviet Union, Austria, Great Britain, Japan, Norway and Oman. But even before I retired, the story of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic had always been very central to me, thanks to my wife Mathilda Nostitz, whose great great great grandfather built the Estates Theatre. My wife returned to Czechoslovakia after the Velvet Revolution when I was still an active diplomat, so until 2005 I used to come here every year for less than a month. When I finally retired, I was looking forward to stay longer and play golf in the Czech Republic, and I was asked by the then Grand Prior Karel Paar (whom I had known for many years) to represent the Order in the Czech Republic. I was somewhat reluctant at first, but I had many friends and I also spoke some Czech, so I decided to accept such a challenging mission.”

However, people often perceive that being the representative of the Order of Malta serves only representative functions…

“This is why I considered the mission a challenging one. Czech people know their history very well, and the role of the Order during key historical events, such as the Maltese knights engagement in the Hussite wars, or defending Prague against the Swedes (when field marshal Rudy Colloredo was the Grand Prior of the Order). But if you ask Czechs about the role of the Order of Malta nowadays, the awareness is limited. And that is a pity, since the Order is very active on all five continents and carries out numerous medical, social and humanitarian projects. We send our recovery teams to places hit by natural catastrophes, such as earthquakes or floods. We helped in Nepal and Haiti. We were present in Liberia during the Ebola epidemic, and we also helped in Europe, in Romania during the extremely the cold winter of 2012, and in my country, Italy, during the last earthquake. Besides helping in humanitarian crises, the Order provides medical services. In neighboring Germany, you may notice special ambulance cars of the Maltese Help Organization, and the Order runs many hospitals there. Even before I became involved with the Order, I was familiar with the Maltese Order and its activities, thanks to the ambulance cars and the Maltese cross that is their symbol.“

The Order is the smallest subject of international law. How it is being organized?

“There are Embassies of the Order in 106 countries, while 8 more countries host a Representation of the Order, and the Order is present in most International Organizations. In some countries the members of the Order are part of an Association, while in the Czech Republic, as well as in Italy and Austria, they are part of a Grand Priory. And I am happy to remind you that the Grand Priory in Bohemia was the first Grand Priory of the Order (from the XII century). Last but not least are the Order’s humanitarian organizations in each country, namely Maltézská Pomoc in the Czech Republic. The fact that for 30 years all humanitarian Maltese organizations have been cooperating under one umbrella organization, gives them a great pool of experts and medical doctors who are able to help quickly and with great expertise, anytime and anywhere the assistance is needed.”

From left: Mathilda Nostitz and H.E. Mario Quagliotti

You mentioned a remarkable history of the Maltese Order in Czech territories, so what are some of the recent projects?

“The last few years have seen some joint co-operation abroad, especially in Haiti, and recently in Palestine following the Grand Chancellor of the Order’s official visit to the Czech Republic last year. Maltézská Pomoc, which has 12 centers in the Czech Republic, has been active not only during floods, but nowadays it helps seniors, children, homeless and other needy people. It has 140 employees and 500 volunteers. It is one of the five most important providers of personal assistance services in the country. In Brno, they are actually the second largest. Now as you know the Grand Priory of Bohemia, as a part of the Church of Bohemia, will hopefully have over one thousand hectares returned to it, which were expropriated by the communist regime. The extent of the activities of Maltézská Pomoc will be even broader once restitutions to the Grand Priory to Bohemia are completed, since the organization will certainly receive  additional sources of funding from the Grand Priory.”

As you are leaving the Czech Republic, what is your message to the Czechs?

Czech people are very industrious, very pragmatic, and the Czech Republic has produced many important inventors. Czechs should remember their history and how well they managed difficult periods. I love music and I also enjoyed the artistic life in Prague. And one should not forget that Prague, when compared to other cities, is still an oasis of peace and it is a very safe city. Czech people should make an effort to preserve as many of the historical buildings as they can.

And what is your message to foreign readers of Czech leaders?

“Foreigners should make an effort to learn some of the Czech language, even though it is not an easy language. When they are here, they can explore all the architecture from Romanesque style to Jugendstil/Art Nouveau, and enjoy the easy access of the city center. And definitely go and see Laterna Magika – a performance combining music, ballet and film production, which is unique in the world and thus accessible even to foreigners that do not speak Czech. And I personally also enjoyed the golf courses, the one at Mariánské Lázně being my favorite.”

H.E. Mario Quagliotti with the protector of the Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, The MADONNA OF PHILERMO

You served in eight countries that were very different. Which ones do you remember the most?

“I enjoyed all the countries I was posted to, but in particular the last three countries I had served in: Japan, Norway and Oman. As for Japan, I had studied some Japanese at university, and surprisingly the pronunciation of Japanese is similar to Italian, with over 200 homophones. Living in Japan is a remarkable experience thanks to the Japanese politeness, earthquakes being the only negative thing. Norway is one of the most beautiful countries thanks to its amazing nature. The only challenge for us to get used to were the long summer days followed by long winter nights. Oman is also very beautiful and hospitable, but it is better to visit from November until April, after the hot season. One thing I should mention is that all Omani people work very hard.”

What legacy do you leave to the upcoming ambassador?

“As I have mentioned before, I believe that it is important to continue giving information to the public about the current activities of the Order, and also about how people can become involved in volunteering. The history of the Order is closely linked to the Czech Republic, and to its history, but its current activities are also very relevant. I felt proud when I presented my credentials to President Klaus, because he thanked me for the help the Order of Malta provided to the Czech Republic during the disastrous floods of 2002. That is exactly the fast humanitarian aid the Maltese Order is excellent at providing, and it just happened to be in the Czech Republic.”

By Linda Štucbartová

Sovereign Order of Malta at a glance:

The Order of Malta is a subject of international law, and as such it has diplomatic relations with 106 states, plus its own missions to international organizations. It was founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century and it has a long history of service to the vulnerable and the sick. It has 13,500 members, 80,000 permanent volunteers and a qualified staff of 25,000 professionals.

“If we want to compete with bigger world, we have no alternative to create a stronger Europe and integrate more economically.”

Aldo Amati is well-experienced diplomat. His recent journey in the Czech republic started last October. “Italy and the Czech Republic are like two beautiful women that like each other because they know that together can enchant anybody around them,” says for Czech leaders.

Dear Mr Ambassador, the embassy has been working in Prague since 1924. What are the main areas of common interest between our Countries?

We both belong to the European Union, we share the same values and we share the common goal of transforming our Continent in a powerful actor on the global scene. We have cooperated for decades comprehensively in every field but these days I am concentrated on upgrading the political and economic relationship. Through the Czech Presidency of Visegrád 4 we will establish a new partnership that will be sealed by the visit in Prague of our Foreign Minister, Mr Gentiloni in November. The bilateral trade has been surging in the last year, our Minister for the Economic Development and Industry Mrs Guidi should be coming to Prague in the middle of October to discuss with her Czech counterparts new priority areas of collaboration.

Is there any historical footprint in the Czech Republic? And why?

The presence of Italians in this country dates back several centuries ago. I like to remember the influence of famous architects such as Lurago and Santini (but there are others less known) who left traces of their valuable work in many churches and aristocratic residences during the 17th and 18^th centuries. The Italian influence is not limited to architects but encompasses musicians, artists, and merchants all drawn here by the beauty of this place and by wise Czech rulers. Later for a long time northern Italy was under the domination and influence of the Habsburg Empire. It’s a mark that can be recognized in numerous regions such as Trentino, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Lombardy. We established our diplomatic relations with Czechoslovakia shortly after the birth of the country and from then on an uninterrupted flow of political, diplomatic and cultural links followed up to our times.

Why did you choose Olomouc as a first official stop? What about other cities and realities of the Czech Republic?

Since my arrival here in Prague in October last year, I have visited quite a few places in your beautiful country, Olomouc, Brno, Karlovy Vary, Plzen, Marianske Lazne, Kutna Hora. In the next three weeks, I will be in Ostrava and Hradec Kralove. There is no question that the Italian presence outside Prague must be developed more and more particularly to draw new small and medium size Italian companies that could stand by others bigger already present with (Iveco, Nová Mosilana, Mapei, Brembo and others) production centers all over the territory of the Czech Republic.

What about tourism?

We also need to bring more Italian tourists outside Prague where they come so numerous, 360 thousands yearly.

Czech Republic is your fifth international stop. What is specific here in the Czech Republic?

Italy and the Czech Republic are like two beautiful women that like each other because they know that together can enchant anybody around them. They can count on innumerable cultural beauties and they have the same sensitivity, therefore there is no jealousy, no real competition but the willingness to work together for common goals. The German, Jewish and Slavic historical components of Prague and the Bohemian and Moravian influences make this Country very special and intriguing to me.

You have been to Prague almost a year. This is your first mission as Ambassador. Do you feel the “new” responsibility for the Embassy?

Leading an Embassy is always a challenge but I have been chasing this chance for a while and it is about time to do something good as an Ambassador for my Country. I discovered that I must be a manager of the many properties that we have here in Prague – some of them are not in good shape and require time and effort – and the same time attend to the many tasks related to developing the bilateral relations in every way. Strong responsibility goes together with the awareness that I am really privileged to be in Prague and to live in your beautiful country.

How exactly do you support cultural and scientific cooperation?

Our cultural policy is carried out by both the Embassy and, to a greater extent, the Italian Cultural Institute, which has been established in Prague in the Twenties of last Century. Its task is to develop cultural relations with all possible Czech and foreign partners. Among them are some of the public cultural institutions and the most prestigious and dynamic Festivals of your country.

Where we can find the institute?

Our Cultural Institute is located in a baroque architectural complex in Malá Strana, a building of great historical interest, which has hosted for centuries the seat of the Italian congregation in Prague and which is the best evidence of the presence and influence of the Italians in Bohemia and in this part of Central Europe. In the scientific field are active bilateral agreements for the exchange of researchers and the development of joint projects. Nevertheless it is my belief that we have to expand cooperation in this area.

What about language teaching?

We have a good level of cooperation in the field of language teaching. The Italian language is taught in some high schools and in many universities in Czech Republic. In the framework of bilateral cultural co-operation we have a presence of professors and teachers of Italian language and literature for example at Gymnasium Ustavni, at Karlova University and in other universities of the country.

Are Czech people good at Italian language?

They are certainly better than Italians with Czech language. In Prague I meet many Czechs that speak a decent Italian so I decided to study intensively your language not only because it will help me enter more the Czech society but also because I am thinking to come and reside in Prague after the end of my career.

Back to the Universities, you recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Charles University. What is the aim?

Since I arrived in the Czech Republic, I found out that the Charles University was interested in expanding the contacts with prominent members of civil society in Italy and we decided to quicken the pace to bring here professors, journalists, analysts and experts of Italian society. The idea is to give an updated idea of Italy to the students of Charles University getting rid of stereotypes and increasing the awareness of a common destiny in Europe. Italy is not just food and fashion but also innovation, filmmakers like Sorrentino – he won the Oscar Prize a couple of years ago – bio-technology centers and son on. I am really glad to have found people inside Charles University ready to write a new chapter in the book of the relations between the two Countries.

How do you support Italian business in the Czech Republic? What are the main areas of cooperation? Are there any “open doors” for further business cooperation?

We facilitate any kind of direct contact between businesses involving first and foremost small and medium enterprises. Bigger Italian companies and banks like Mattoni, Brembo, Marzotto, Generali, Unicredit, Mapei and others are already well established and they represent important brands in the Czech Republic. I must concentrate on those Italian companies that see the growth of the Czech economy and many infrastructural programs as an incentive to come and invest here. Machinery, innovation and green technologies, waste management, different kind of services are at the forefront but we do not forget our tradition in fashion, food, textiles and real estate. Together with the Italo-Czech Chamber of Commerce and the help of Czech institutions like Czech Invest, the Czech Chamber of Commerce and different Ministries we expect to open “new doors” in tourism, bio-technology, infrastructural programs, defense cooperation, hospital services. I do believe that Czech people like Italian products and there is still a good deal of Italian lifestyle to be introduced in this Country.

How often do you organize events for businessmen?

Periodically – together with the Italo-Czech Chamber of Commerce – we organize workshop and B2B so that there is immediately a direct contact between businesses leaving aside bureaucracy. For example at the end of September we will have at the Embassy a workshop on “waste management and recycling” that will bring around 15 Italian companies that will have meetings with their counterparts that we have selected with the help of Czech institutions. Then, in the middle of October our Minister of Economic Development and Industry, Mrs. Federica Guidi, will come to Prague for meetings and to open a bigger workshop where Italian building companies will explore the Czech market to see what are the chances for contracts and joint ventures.

Could you compare the actual position of the Czech Republic and Italy in the European bodies?

Both governments are profoundly convinced that our future and our wealth are in Europe. We both support the gradual entrance into the EU of countries of the western Balkans. If we want to compete with bigger players like the USA, China, India and other BRICs, we have no alternative to create a stronger Europe in Foreign and Security Policy and integrate more economically. Probably the pace at which the Italian government would like to proceed is faster than the one wanted here but the aim is the same. The political and security events in Ukraine and the negotiations to avoid the exit of Greece from the Eurozone, have shown the lengthy pace of the EU decision makers but both the crisis have ended up with EU unity. Now the thousands of people fleeing from conflicts in the Middle East are the real challenge. Italy is at the forefront and we appreciate any help from the Czech Republic in supporting us in Brussels. We are facing a real emergency and need a common European policy that might tackle a problem that will haunt us all for a long time. We understand the cautious approach from the Czech government but we have to prevent the re-nationalization of people movements in Europe and the collapse of the Schengen system.

Did you see the Czech house at Expo in Milan?

Yes I visited Expo at the end of July and saw the Czech pavilion which is extremely interesting outside and inside. I want to acknowledge the great support of Czech authorities that were the first to support our idea of Expo and made many others follow their example. They also were the first to complete their pavilion and my government has a sincere gratitude towards all the Czech that contributed for the success of the event. Interest for Expo has surpassed any expectation and we are very happy to show Milan and Italy at their best.

Dear Mr Ambassador, who is the true leader to you?

Politically, someone that doesn’t look every day to the polls and then decides his policies. A leader is someone that takes his responsibilities also for unpopular actions that he believes will result in common good. One name comes first to my mind: Winston Churchill.

Author: Jaroslav Kramer

“I am a proud to be a Czech, and I love the Czech Republic. ”

It is a pleasure and also a privilege for me to introduce Renata Mrázová. Regular readers of Czech Leaders know that Renata Mrázová was nominated as the most important woman in Czech business in the position of the CEO of ING/ NN in 2014, and starting August 1, 2015 she now holds the position of Global Head of HR of NN. Renata is dynamic, energetic, full of visions, very friendly, easy going and empathetic. She is known not only for all her achievements in terms of business functions, successfully running NN and Direct Insurance company, but also a family business. She is a role model for many working Czech mothers, always mentioning her need for time dedicated to raising two daughters, as well as helping other women to reach top management positions thanks to mentoring programs. She was the one who was approached by Sheryl Sandberg to write a foreword to the book Lean In that represented a watershed for many women in the West with regards to their career aspirations and active approach.

And to support her words with deeds, Renata being closely associated with the Minerva21 movement, she has made sure that mentoring schemes, which have until recently been reserved for a few selected female participants from top Czech companies, are now more open to women who need it, and she managed to get more than 50 people involved, including personalities such as Eliška Hašková-Coolidge, Jan Mühlfeit, Marian Jelínek and Radvan Bahbouh.

I was glad Renata agreed to an interview for Czech Leaders, despite the fact that she has just assumed a new position, and has not even had time to unpack the boxes to settle down in her new home in the Netherlands.

The first question – how do you perceive today´s world?

This is a very challenging question, as it can be perceived from different angles. Being a very optimistic person, I perceive the world as an amazing place. I wake up every day feeling great just being happy living in this period. Our world is very multifaceted, colorful and diverse. It is an unbelievably uplifting feeling for me to be able to learn and to get to know so many new things everyday. For me, all is connected by the value of freedom, freedom of movement, freedom of information, freedom of speech…

On the other hand, I am worried about many problems and these I tend to think about over and over. We live in a world that moves incredibly fast. Everything is constantly developing and changing and this puts pressure on people in terms of being flexible and having the ability to adapt.

Due to the extreme amount of information available, our brains are clogged and we do not know how to take a rest, or how to live in the present. I am also concerned about the pursuit of material possessions, societal crises and individual crises, the devaluation of basic life values and the loss of faith. All of these factors are the reason why not only Europe, but the world as such, is facing a modern crisis. And I ask myself how we can get out of it, and where is it all taking us.

And how do you perceive the position of the Czech Republic?

I am a proud to be a Czech, and I love the Czech Republic. We are an amazing country full of great people. What really concerns me is the atmosphere in the Czech Republic, and also the attitude of Czech citizens. I particularly miss the attitude of optimism in the Czech Republic. I can compare it to the USA, or the Netherlands, which are countries that I have lived in and live in now. It is truly refreshing to see how people in the Netherlands are easy-going, they enjoy life, they do not make big drama out of anything, they do not rush anywhere, they smile and when they desire a change, they know that they themselves are responsible for making it happen. I wish for a change regarding the mood and atmosphere in the Czech Republic, because I consider it an incredible place for life, with a great history and big opportunities.

I mentioned that you are a role model for many Czech women. In the past, you often talked about the role of your former boss Alexis and her role as a mentor in preparing you for the CEO role in the Czech Republic. Now, can you reflect upon how you prepared for the international position, and what is your advice to women who seem to have reached the “ceiling” in the Czech Republic, and think about going somewhere else?

I do not like the word “prepare” as you say it. I am not that type. What suits me best is having an open mind, and not tying myself to concrete targets and plans.

Regarding my new position in the Netherlands, in the headquarters of NN Group, it is my dream job. Everyone who knows me, knows that I am focused on management, working with people, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, giving them a chance to use their talents and experiences in the best possible ways, and helping them to develop and so to enjoy life. I enjoy building and influencing the whole atmosphere, setting the tone and tempo of the company’s culture, which generates the company’s results. Over the past year I have been thinking a lot about where I should go. I already served four years in the position of CEO, and I felt that I was reaching the point of giving all that I could to the company. I have a lot of dreams, but when the offer to manage the HR of the entire NN group came, I did not hesitate. During the last year I have discussed the possibility of trying to live and work in another country with my husband. We have two daughters, who are the ideal age for this kind of a change.

I am happy that my children have the opportunity to live in another country, experience a different culture, and a chance to understand a different mentality, because those are things that I consider great experiences, and even a gift in someone´s life.

After a few weeks, I have to say that I am excited that we made the decision, it is a huge change, we are experiencing our ups and downs with a lot of adrenalin, but it is an incredible experience.

Are you still in touch with Sheryl Sandberg?

I am not in close touch with Sheryl, only rarely. She is a woman that I greatly admire. Her movement “Lean In” changed and keeps changing today’s world. Sheryl is a very dedicated and structured lady, she knows what she wants and will do the maximum to achieve it. I am very proud that we know each other, and that she chose me for the foreword in her book. It is incredible that she not only concentrates on women in her Lean In program, but also on men, partners, fathers and young people who can change things. It is remarkable that she continues to work intensively on her activities even after she unexpectedly lost her beloved husband.

I know you have been active in mentoring for nearly a decade. I also mentioned your involvement in the Minerva21 movement and the fact that you have managed to get involved with some very prominent personalities. Do you see some change in Czech society with regards to the low number of women CEOs and board members in general?

If we look at the numbers, it is not a very positive trend. The numbers of women in top positions have not significantly increased during the past years. On the other hand, I have to say that the atmosphere, perception and prejudice in society have changed greatly when compared to the situation 12 years ago, when my first daughter was born. Just to mention the infrastructure that has been built, women with children can adapt very well to the working process, because of private nurseries and kindergartens. I think that in today’s world, we must also concentrate on men, so they may start to understand that women are different, that they behave differently, that they speak differently, that they decide differently, and so they may understand that real diversity brings diversity of thoughts, which then brings innovations, and new ways of thinking leading to success.

So I am happy that we established Minerva21, which concentrates on our entire society, not just the big corporations, and wants to help to build self-confidence in young students, mothers on parental leave, senior citizens, businesswomen, managers and leaders throughout society. And I am glad that Minerva21 gets more support from men. Because that is how our movement will get more influence and thus make a larger impact.

Can women support each other? If we are not even unanimous on the issue of quotas, which should reverse the trend of a mere 4% of women currently in the positions of CEOs and board members, how can we cooperate? And can women cooperate and compete at the same time?

I believe that support and cooperation are the necessary grassroots for change, and can I see it happening. I have personally had so much support and help from exceptional women in my life, that I chose it as my life journey, at least in a certain part of my life. I wanted to focus and pay back at least part of what I received. So yes, I believe in it, but of course it does not always work. It is said that women prefer to compete instead of helping each other. We in Minerva21 strongly believe in cooperation, it is the basis of all our activities, and we think that support is the most important thing that we can give to each other. It is a great feeling to know that I did something good for another woman (or man of course ☺). Sometimes a smile is enough, a supporting sentence, praise, or just listening…

We also believe in not harming each other, and not talking behind each other’s backs. Our founder Rostya Gordon-Smith says “Even if you may think she is a bitch, please support her.” So yes, there will not be results without strong cooperation.

I know that you are very visionary, but at the same time fast and dynamic. Besides challenges that await you in your new position of Global HR at NN, what are your other dreams to achieve?

I currently feel like I am living one of my dreams. With my family, we are experiencing a totally new phase in our lives, we are writing a new chapter to our life book, which is incredible. My dream is to live a calm and relaxed life and to have time for my kids and family, and just enjoy everyday, working on things that make sense and bring value.

Kateřina Glacnerová from the Anglo-American University helped with the translation and abridged version.

“ I Don´t Like the Distorted Image of Entrepreneurs in Our Country. ”

Czech exporters with small and medium sized enterprises still rely greatly on a joint EU market,” says Vladimír Dlouhý. He adds that the Czech Chamber of Commerce makes special efforts to introduce them to markets outside of the EU, where higher, long-term margins and added value may be realized. What other challenges are awaiting the market, and how can we make the lives of entrepreneurs easier?

Dear President, recently at the Czech Chamber of Commerce assembly, you talked about the most pressing problems of entrepreneurs. Can you name them?

At the assembly I introduced ten such problems. The first one is the lack of technically educated graduates; this is what not only home companies complain about, but foreign investors as well. It is quite interesting that one of the guests of honor mentioned in his speech that Czech companies leave the country for Germany because the workforce there is more skilled. At the same time, I have pointed out the process of starting up a business, which is very lengthy and encumbered by many obstacles in the Czech Republic. And after finally establishing a business, entrepreneurs are met by a never ending battle on many frontiers, especially with continuously changing regulations and corresponding standards. Such instability imposes the greatest burden on small and medium sized enterprises, while it is they who should be prioritized in the Czech environment.

What other “appeals” have you made?

I tried to point out that we should use the present period of macroeconomic growth for consolidating public finances. The fifth appeal to our government was the necessity to create a motivational environment for connecting businesses with research, and removing the low connection of VVIs (Veřejná výzkumná instituce – Public Research Institutions) with practical use. Members of our Chamber also complain about the way of communication with tax administrators, and so we are calling for a visible and permanent effort to simplify the communication between financial authorities and entrepreneurs. I also think that in the past the state was only supporting the exports of big companies, while small and medium sized enterprises were put aside. We should definitely also focus on drawing from the EU structural funds, which represent a chance for strategic and sustainable projects in the new programming period. What we worry about a lot is a total freeze of transport infrastructure development – it is a scandal that Prague’s orbital and highway to České Budějovice have not been completed yet. And finally, I don´t like the distorted image of entrepreneurs in our country, which I partly blame on government rhetoric.

Regarding the lack of technically educated graduates, you invited the government to present a concrete plan ensuring an increasing state support of technical education. What exactly would you recommend?

Generally, it is necessary to increase the interest of young people in apprenticeships and technical professions. It is necessary to begin to inspire and motivate children in kindergartens and basic schools. The re-introducing of school subjects such as handcraft, or tools such as polytechnic kits will help to prevent a decline of pupils´ manual skills, and create a positive feeling about engineering. It is necessary to change the way parents think too, who would rather send their children to grammar schools, while there are too many of these schools in our country. If the child is skillful, they should rather choose a professional school. Cooperation with regional and local authorities could be a solution too. For example, if the authorities start preparing short time job market predictions, they may flexibly adjust the type of education we offer. I am convinced that the government also has to change the system of financing for our regional education system. They must step back from financing “per pupil”, and on the contrary, evaluate schools based on the quality and competitiveness of their graduates. The Chamber of Commerce will also promote the employers´ participation in deciding which professions would be offered, and for how many pupils, for a specific school year.

At the assembly, you also mentioned that the government should increase support to small and medium sized enterprises in the area of export. Are the current activities of the Ministry of Industry and Trade so insufficient?

In the past, the state focused mainly on the big export companies, unfortunately with a catastrophic impact on the EGAP and ČEB portfolios. Small and medium sized enterprises were always viewed as a second priority, that would connect their supply with the big and supported players, and thus be in a position of dependent sub-suppliers. I think it is correct to maintain the export support of big businesses, but on top of that, it would be proper to help small and medium sized enterprises to develop as final suppliers in the world markets. At the same time, it is necessary to support Czech businesses in their export to regions based on profitability.

Where exactly do you see potential for small and medium sized enterprises and in which fields?

Czech exporters with small and medium sized enterprises still rely greatly on a joint EU market, so their supplies go to already quite saturated, and highly competitive markets of EU member countries. This is the evidence of high quality and competitive Czech companies, however the Czech Chamber of Commerce makes special efforts to introduce them to markets outside of the EU, where in the long-term, higher margins and additional value may be realized. Besides China and India, this means the Near and Middle East countries, South America, and some African countries too. Many Czech companies deliver to these territories via re-export through Germany, which however suppresses development of the “Czech Republic” brand abroad, and distorts the statistics regarding the real share of Czech products in the world markets. We want to gradually change that. Regarding perspective fields, it is clear that Czech companies build on our national traditions, and engineering will always dominate. However, there are for example some smaller Czech IT companies which were able to successfully compete in the USA, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, etc. We are also strong in environmental technologies, renewable energy, the construction industry, and infrastructure will play an important role in profiling Czech export for the upcoming period.

You have criticized the general situation of small and medium enterprises. Were you specifically criticizing cash registers and the confusing tax changes?

Generally, when one enters the Czech business environment, they face a number of long-term obstacles. There are numerous ever-changing laws, regulations, and notices, accompanied with bureaucracy, contrasting interpretations of current standards, non-standardized inspections, and sometimes the helplessness of office workers. Laws and obligatory standards are being amended a few weeks after coming into force. This instability then mostly affects small and medium sized enterprises, which until 1948 used to be the backbone of the Czech economy.

What can we do now?

Let´s give these entrepreneurial entities priority. Let´s switch to an electronic agenda, and use common sense during inspections. We definitely need a central database for entrepreneurs – an information system that will clearly and under one roof integrate all duties required from entrepreneurs by the state.

A long-term problem for the Czech economy is the poor disbursement of EU funds. Why is that? Is that due to insufficient awareness?

The problem of ineffective and often strategically pointless drawing from EU structural funds is not easy to solve. The period 2007-2014 started with delay; on top of that, the use of funds was being slowed down by a really complicated bureaucratic system. The Law on Public Procurement, its amendment and especially erratic interpretation definitely was no help either. All of that leads to a deceleration of disbursement, or a full stop of tenders that had been years in the making. With the end of the period ahead of us, the irregularity of inspections is increasing, and so is the impact on already realized projects. It is unacceptable that one inspection authority evaluates the project as flawless, while another one comes to the very opposite opinion and orders a correction. For the Czech Chamber of Commerce and our members, the most important thing is for the managing authorities and mediating subjects to learn from their mistakes, and carry on their lessons to the upcoming period. We have identified their mistakes and we will voice them out for entrepreneurs, as recipients of EU funds, to help them better their position and realize their projects.

Your reproaches at the assembly were directed mainly towards the political representation. How do you communicate with the current representatives of resorts?

I wouldn´t call them reproaches, because after the new leadership of the Chamber of Commerce was elected in May 2014, communication with the government was great and we appreciate that. My presentation at the assembly was based on two facts. First, I had to reflect our members´ opinions, which sometimes are very critical. Second, I expressed a certain disappointment caused by the slow proceeding in discussing basically anything connected to the economic policy, and this disappointment I have also communicated to the government and opposition, ministers and deputies. Too many times the recent changes in legislation and regulations have worsened rather than improved the business environment in the country.

Are you optimistic that the areas you’ve marked as “problematic” will improve?

Optimism is probably not appropriate here; it will be a long-term solution. However, we consider the participation of the President of the CR and the Prime Minister very helpful, as well as some other government members, representatives of the opposition, important deputies, and other representatives. If nothing else, this is a good sign.

Recent research indicates a very positive outlook for the economy. Why are we doing so well in the first quarter of this year?

The estimated growth of the economy in the first quarter of this year, by 3.9 percentage points, is in my opinion very optimistic. This number was probably partly influenced by a discrepancy in consumer tax or the pre-stocking of tobacco products. If the GDP growth is also over 3 percent in the second and third quarter, I will be pleasantly surprised.

Petr Zahradník, advisor to the president of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, said that it would be difficult to maintain the level of first quarter growth in the forthcoming quarters. So, what should we do in order to maintain that level of growth?

Short-term risk may appear with a sudden increase in wages, external effects, and possible political upheavals. Basically anything that may undermine people´s expectations, either in Czech households or in the management of companies, including small and medium sized enterprises and banks.

When the presidents of the chambers of commerce of the Visegrad Four countries gathered, you refused the German minimum wage. Why?

Regarding the German minimum wage, we don´t especially like what its effect would be on the shippers from other countries, not only on those who get orders and provide services directly in Germany, but also those who just pass through Germany in transit. Regarding shipping on German roads, the shippers would have had to pay their drivers the minimum wage, and at the same time would have had to report those drivers to German authorities, and be ready for possible inspections. With other presidents of the chambers of commerce of the Visegrad Four countries, we are convinced that such regulations would negatively affect the free transit of persons, goods, and services within EU, and we decided to draw attention to this situation. Our joint declaration was passed to the members of the European Commission as well as the chairmen of selected committees of the European Parliament. Our declaration will also be presented at the EUROCHAMBERS assembly, where other chambers will be invited to support the initiative. At the same time, we are getting feedback especially from small and medium sized enterprises which worry about the serious impacts of introducing the minimum wage, including dismissals of employees, reduction of performance, and threats of insolvency.

The European Commission appreciates your activities in this area. Moreover, the Chamber has recently approved some of their recommendations too. Can you be more specific?

The European Commission approaches the issue very seriously, and calls for a solution to the problem. Due to the application of German regulations on minimum wage in transport, the industry has initiated proceedings with Germany regarding the infringement of EU legislation. The result of the proceedings will decide if German regulations are in contradiction with EU legislation or not. Therefore we are expecting that the European Commission will reach a clear decision, and all international transport operations will be excluded from the application of the mentioned German law. In the opposite case we expect that similar regulations will be adopted by other member countries as well, and a joint transport market would, as a matter of fact, break apart. The inconsistency of the situation is perceived by Germany too, since the application of the minimum wage regulations in transport will not be enforced until the Commission comes to its decision.

What about the situation in our country – regarding the implementation of recommendations from Brussels?

In this area, the most important thing is to use common sense, and listen to entrepreneurs who work on their projects every day. They know best what is and is not acceptable if their investment project is to be realized, with or without the help of funds. The Commission´s recommendations are based on the feedback we give them, so our priority should be to organize things at home. The general rule for the use of funds is that we must meet the conditions of the programs, which are negotiated between the Commission and state authorities.

What are the Chamber´s plans for the second half of the year?

A lot of our plans are connected to my appeal to the Czech political representation, which I already described to you. Our plan of activities comprises several pages describing our targets for the upcoming period. Generally, we want to continue our efforts for the elimination of the legislative duties that harm the business environment. As a representative of the business public we want to be heard, we want to involve more of our members in the process of negotiating. We want to go on with our active participation in the consulting process, and commenting on European legislation under preparation. We will support the simplest stable tax environment with the lowest possible number of exceptions. In the long run, we want to strive for simplifying VAT rates, changes in professional (especially technical) education with a priority in professional qualifications, and we definitely want to continue our support of investments and measures for maintaining and increasing the employment rate. There are many plans; these are really just a few.

“Trust and economic attitude reflect real performance.” What exactly is that supposed to mean?

These are the words of one of my advisors – Mr. Petr Zahradník. He probably wanted to say that when monitoring the development of so-called “soft” indicators of people´s trust, and “hard” data of statistic indicators for individual macroeconomic indicators on a long-term basis, currently you will see a substantial similarity. In May, the trust of the people in our home economy increased by 0.4 percentage points compared to the previous month, and yearly it increased by almost 3 percentage points. Based on the current development of GDP, we anticipate that it is probably just a question of time as to when it reaches its maximum again, which we saw around the year 2006. So, the May economic and consumer trust data suggests a sober optimism with regard to our future economic development.

Mr. Dlouhý, who do you consider a leader?

A person with a vision, long term purpose, and no worry about the risks.

By: (jk)

“ It may seem that we are safely located in the heart of Europe, but that is a misleading notion. ”

Josef Bečvář is the current Chief of the General Staff – the highest position in the Czech Army. He has been so since May 2015. What are his goals for the management of more than 28 thousand soldiers? “Traditionally, we are known for our skills in the defense against weapons of mass destruction, passive systems, and military medical services,” he says. On the other hand, what does the Czech Army need to improve, and is there any danger that we could become a NATO “free-loader”?

What exactly is the responsibility of the Chief of the General Staff?

Simply put, I am commanding the General Staff which commands the activities of the army. My position makes me a partner of the Minister of Defense, and my task, according to the political assignment, is to direct the army and define the ways of meeting the tasks given to us. The General Staff plays a key role in preparing military-professional evaluations for reaching political decisions.

At a first glance, the structure of the General Staff is very complicated. What is the key for proper understanding of the individual divisions and headquarters?

It really is complicated only at the first glance, because we are guided by simple solutions, and that is also the principle of armies. The core of the General Staff is therefore comprised by two key divisions, accompanied by some smaller units.

Which are?

The first is the Division of Capabilities Development and Planning. It is responsible for setting the mobilization agenda, army reserves, planning, the conceptual and technical development of our army, and for military offices like regional military headquarters and military districts. The second unit, the Division of Support, comprises individual agencies focusing on military support, i.e. logistics, communications and information systems, and military medical services. Furthermore, there is a Joint Operations Center, which supervises the troops that are active in domestic and overseas operations. Then there is the Personnel Agency of the Czech Army, and let´s also mention the Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Branch. Directly subordinate to the General Staff are the two component headquarters which manage daily life for our troops – The Headquarters of Land Forces and Air Forces. On the same level there is also the Special Forces Directorate and Training Command – Military Academy.

What are your goals as the army´s “head commander”?

The army is a continuously functioning organism. I came into it with a series of projects underway, and four years hence I will pass it to my successor in a similar way. So, my first task is to continue the steps undertaken by general Pavel, or possibly even his predecessors. Speaking of priorities, I definitely see those in the completion and implementation of the key document “The Strategy of the Czech Army Development”, recruiting the personnel needed, and the continuation of the process of re-armament and equipment modernization. Regarding re-armament, we see the necessity for the modification of radar equipment, purchasing multipurpose choppers, and considering the possible development of our Air Force transport capacity. Regarding our Land Forces, the re-armament of the 7^th Mechanized Brigade is especially necessary, including the modernization of artillery, and we must follow the trends in modern fully automated systems.

What is the annual defense budget of the Czech Republic?

This year, the resort of the Ministry of Defense was given a budget of CZK 43.79 billion. During the approval process, this represented 1.04% of GDP. The positive thing is, it was possible to reach a political agreement and reverse the negative trend of previous years, when the budget was being dramatically cut. Through 2020, in accordance with the accepted declaration, the defense budget of the Czech Republic should gradually grow to 1.4% of GDP. We are now expecting the corresponding steps within the proposal of the 2016 annual budget. Even so, we will still not fall within the alliance commitment of 2% of GDP. Unfortunately, we are also carrying a big debt in the form of our technical equipment, infrastructure, and insufficient personnel, which will require a longer time to settle. On the other hand, we must admit that even a budget hike would not solve the issue, because first a lot of important modernization projects will have to be carefully prepared.

What is your main argument for those who claim that it is not necessary to increase the defense budget?

Considering this issue, the position of the army is a bit complicated. However, it is more important to publicly discuss the need for defense and investments in this area. Compared for example to health care, education, transport, the interior and culture, where the citizens can see the investment through everyday experience, investments in defense are not visible in our everyday life; therefore there might be people who recklessly consider them useless. However, this is true only until a crisis comes. But at that moment, it is usually too late to invest in defense. The army is an insurance policy for one of the essential functions of the state – i.e. securing public safety. We simply cannot resign from that function in today´s world.

What do you currently see as our biggest threat?

Undoubtedly, the biggest threat in today´s world is radicalism and unpredictable instability. We are talking about a phenomenon of a so-called Islamic State, the crisis in Ukraine, a changing attitude of Russia, a crisis of natural sources, and escalating problems of refugees and migration waves. All of this is occurring not only in the palpable context, but in the virtual space too. It may seem we are safely located in the heart of Europe, but that is just a misleading notion which may swiftly change if we don´t actively participate in the solution of these problems, and we don´t try to prevent them as much as possible.

What features of the Czech Army are at the highest level?

Our people – our soldiers who are very experienced and flexible. They prove their qualities every day while fulfilling demanding tasks, not only in operations abroad but at home, within the Czech Republic. Traditionally, we are known for our skills in the defense against weapons of mass destruction, passive systems, and military medical services.

Where, on the other hand, are we falling behind “the world”?

It would be naïve to think that we may be equal in all areas to such armies as the US Forces, for example. Here, we are limited, and logically always will be, by the sources available. However, I don´t see this as a problem because of our alliance in NATO. The issue we have to resolve is the already mentioned modernization and optimization of personnel; this means obtaining the corresponding financing, so that we do not become a free-loader of the Alliance. Simply said, in the past few years we have fallen behind in investments to our defense. Another longtime problem is the acquisition process, where the Ministry of Defense was not able to fulfill for example the basic needs of the soldiers. I am speaking about the very basic areas of military gear and personal equipment. For this we must find a solution, so that our soldiers may appropriately fulfill their tasks during training as well as operations.

How many countries are Czech soldiers currently present in?

I suppose you mean the deployment of our soldiers in foreign operations and observation missions within the alliance effort of NATO, EU operations, and UN missions. Currently, we have soldiers in Afghanistan, Mali, the Sinai Peninsula, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, and Central African Republic. To make the list complete, I must also add the EU-NAVFOR operation on the Somali coast, where our soldiers work at the headquarters in Great Britain. Of course, our soldiers may also be found at the headquarters and other organizations of NATO.

What do you think about the transit of allied forces through the Czech Republic in March?

The transit of an American convoy, returning from alliance training in the Baltic and Poland, has raised an unusual wave of interest among the Czech public. The problem is the perception between “we and allies”. And we have been a NATO member for more than 15 years. Therefore, I am personally very happy that after the initial negative campaign, most of the public clearly and absolutely comprehensibly expressed their attitude and support to our commitment.

A much discussed topic is the issue of drafting. Recently, the government accepted an amendment of “military law”. What is it about? Do you think it is a good way to increase the number of troops?

By suspending the draft during peace time following the professionalization of the Czech Army in 2005, we saw the number of registered obligatory reserves decrease, not to mention the number of trained reserves. So, if we don´t renew the military draft we will gradually see a loss in the number of qualified men and women, especially those willing to participate actively in the armed defense of the country. Regarding the current security situation in the world, this would definitely not be a good step forward. At the same time, drafts will enable us to offer the public voluntary military training, to address the young generation and introduce them to the armed forces, and show them why defense is important to the whole country.

The government also discussed the decision for soldiers to be called on more flexibly for natural disaster relief. Why are they not “flexible” now?

The draft of the law No. 219 on military forces, which was discussed by the government, speaks rather about internal provisions, which in response to organization changes within the Czech Army will help us to become more flexible in deploying the forces and equipment from different units. The soldiers are and always will be ready to help, nothing is changing here. However, it is necessary to realize that the issue of natural disasters primarily falls under the Integrated Rescue System and the army within is supporting units, i.e. Fire Department, Czech Police, and Emergency Medical Services. The Fire Department has undergone a substantial increase of its abilities since the catastrophic floods in Moravia in 1997 – some of these abilities were adopted directly from the army. That´s why you do not see soldiers at the front line as often as before; it is the firemen with their sophisticated equipment who have become involved there. The role of the army, with the exception of certain specialized issues like e.g. air rescue services, is mainly the second front, when it is necessary to use other personnel and equipment.

You studied at French military schools. What is the biggest difference compared to the Czech schools?

It has been many years since I studied, so it would not be quite objective to compare Czech and French military schools in detail, or education systems in general. Although I will be happy to say what I personally consider the biggest benefit of studying abroad – the fact that I was able to work in the international environment and make contacts. It was also interesting to learn from the French experience with deploying forces abroad, especially in the areas of France’s former global influence. That was and surely will always be the advantage of bigger armies and big countries.

Which countries could we see as our role models for having a “flawless” army?

The question is whether there actually is something like a perfect army, because military forces all over the world are developing all the time. They reflect emerging threats and specific conditions of the concrete country. What works in one country does not necessarily always work for another one. Personally, I am not a fan of uncritical acceptance of foreign models, but I am definitely not one who is unwilling to seek and accept experience either. But we always need to accept “our” part. An important source of inspiration and learning may be the military forces of our key alliance partners, i.e. the USA, Great Britain, France, and Germany, however we must not close ourselves off from the experiences of similar-sized countries of NATO and neutral countries. Some inspiration may even come from findings in other cultural and social conditions.

What are the biggest differences we may see in the armies of “the old” continent?

Nowadays, a big part of Europe is connected by alliance bonds, be it within NATO, the EU, or other partnership programs. This bonding leads to unification and the elimination of previous differences. We cooperate in training and operations management, and harmonize our standards and operational procedures.

Formally, your direct commanding officer is the President of the Czech Republic. Is he following current developments in the army?

Yes, he is and very much so. When travelling around the country, the President regularly includes his visits to military units, and he also visited our soldiers in Afghanistan. He expresses support for our soldiers and presents his opinions on safety issues in public.

What is the biggest myth about the army that you have noticed?

Claiming that our army is good for nothing because it would be able to defend just one town. The public actually often does not realize the difference between a professional army at times of peace, and the army in the state of war or conflict. People don´t perceive the fact that our defense is secured within the Alliance.

Has your work in the army fulfilled all expectations?

When I was starting at the Military Secondary School in Moravská Třebová in 1973, I definitely did not imagine I would become a Chief of General Staff 40 years later. Like all soldiers, I was forming my ideas of what the army is and how it functions. I was also very lucky to have great superiors and colleagues. When I look back, I can see my career has been really colorful so far. Starting with artillery, then military police, diplomatic services, and finally General Staff, I always have had interesting positions and I am immensely grateful for all these years in uniform. Otherwise, I don´t think I would have gained that much experience at all. A big thank-you goes to my family too, because without their support and understanding all of this would have been unimaginable.

By: (jk)

Photo: General Staff of the Czech Army