|
|
|
|
- Editorial: Biennial General Meeting
- Special Message: Bridging Nations
- Remembering July 2025
- September Events
- Vice President's Corner: The Ukraine Dilemma
- The Last Page
|
|
|
|
|
EDITORIAL
|
|
Dear Members and Friends of the ABS,
|
|
Every two years in autumn, ABS holds a very special event: the Biennial General Meeting. You have already received your invitation to this year's event and are cordially invited to attend – your participation is truly important.
|
You will receive an overview of the activities of the past two years and the associated investments so you can evaluate how your membership fees are used. The auditors' report will be presented to you as highly valued members, for approval. Finally, the group of ABS Board members will be appointed at the General Meeting, all of them prepared to take responsibility for our honorable society for the next two years.
|
For me, this marks the end of many years on the ABS Board and several years as Secretary General. Therefore, the ABS News will be sent out by a new Secretary General in the future. I would like to thank you very much for all your feedback on our work and look forward to staying in touch with you as a regular ABS member in the future.
|
|
ABS Secretary General & ABS News Editor-in-Chief
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPECIAL MESSAGE
|
|
|
Bridging Nations: The Enduring Value of the Austro-British Society - An Observation in Changing Times
|
by Wolfgang Geissler, ABS Treasurer
|
In a world where headlines are often filled with division, conflict and uncertainty, the quiet but enduring work of building bridges between nations becomes all the more vital. International friendship societies like the Austro-British Society remind us that diplomacy is not only the task of governments - it is also a living, breathing practice among people.
|
Back in November 2015, the Society was officially named “the most distinguished friendship society of the year” by Austria’s Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy - a public recognition of its stature as the country’s largest and most active bilateral friendship society. That honour was no accident. Through an ongoing programme of lectures, cultural events, policy discussions, theatre visits and social gatherings, the Society creates a space where Austrians and Britons meet, listen, exchange and learn from one another.
|
|
In times when political winds may shift and misunderstandings can grow, such sustained, personal connections are the threads that keep the fabric of international relations intact. The Austro-British Society has shown that friendship between nations is more than a diplomatic phrase - it is a shared experience, cultivated over years, which strengthens trust, curiosity and mutual respect. For Austria, it remains a flagship example of what cultural diplomacy can achieve.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Just Before The ABS Summer Break
|
Shortly before the Austro-British Society took a break from events for a few weeks during the summer, on July 22nd it hosted its traditional celebration for Prince George, the future King of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland – for the 13th time because of his 12th birthday.
|
|
To commemorate this special get-together, we invite you to read the report and browse through the many photos.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What The Stars Hold For Prince George - His Horoscope
|
|
Which society can boast its own astrologer? The Austro-British Society, of course. Mag. Eva Vaskovich-Fidelsberger created Prince George's horoscope to mark his 12th birthday, which she presented at the birthday party and which we have made available for download here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by Astrologer Mag. Eva Vaskovich-Fidelsberger, ABS Board member
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Great Opportunities
|
|
After just a few weeks' summer break, ABS Events are back in action and offering three opportunities to meet friends and enjoy something special in September. Here is an overview of the planned events:
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Biennial General Meeting
- Diplomatic Academy
- Invitation already sent!
|
|
|
- Event with McLaren
- Autohaus Frey
- Invitation to follow
|
|
|
- Portwine Tasting
- Corporate Members Only Event
|
|
|
|
|
VICE PRESIDENT'S CORNER
|
|
|
Click to enlarge - Fotocredit:
|
Roman Pilipej for AFP Photo
|
|
Just a few thoughts on the war which is uppermost on our minds: The Alaska meeting between Trump and Putin and the subsequent walk to Canossa by European leaders don't mean anything good for Ukraine's future.
|
|
Trump is disengaging from a conflict that was never his, his personal admiration for Putin as a strong leader and his inherent distrust of Europe and its leaders becomes apparent.
|
A continuation of his tragic conflict is neither in the interest of Ukraine, nor of the European countries. Therefore, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on the basis of realistic assessments are urgently called for.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by former Ambassador Alexander Christiani
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Account name: Österreichisch-Britische Gesellschaft | Erste Bank der oesterreichischen Sparkassen AG | IBAN: AT422011184479592100 | BIC: GIBAATWWXXX
|
Für den Inhalt verantwortlich: Jochen Ressel
|
|
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
