Guest speech of the Ambassador of Germany; H.E. Dr. Gerd Westdickenberg

On the occasion of the current EU and the G-8 presidency held by Germany, the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair for International, Legal and Global Political Studies, was inviting the residential Ambassador of Germany to Austria H.E. Dr. Gerd Westdickenberg for a visit and guest lecture on 24th April 2007. The Ambassador gave an excellent overview on the first four months of presidency. His remarks were followed by nearly two hours of discussions with students and professors, and by a reception.

Ambassador Westdickenberg’s remarks offered the IMC Export Fellows a rare opportunity to gain insights into newly launched EU Energy Action Plan (including energy efficiency, climate related issues), Declaration of Berlin (Berlin summit at the occasion of 50th anniversary of the Union), reaffirmation of the Lisbon strategy goals, decision on the forthcoming EU – Africa summit (to be cared during the Portuguese EU, and German G-8 presidency), transborder cooperation (EUROPOL, Schengen – SIS II), the new Common Foundation of the EU (energy and foreign policy goals formulation) as well as the brief note on the forthcoming EU summits: EU–US, EU–Russia and EU–Japan, and the G-8 focus on energy, climate protection and on Africa.

An extraordinarily eloquent senior career diplomat, Ambassador WESTDICKENBERG joined the Foreign Ministry some 30 years ago. His major diplomatic assignments have included the Easter Europe (Bulgaria), Africa (Ghana), America (the US), Europe (Brussels HQ of NATO). H.E. Westdickenberg has also held other major diplomatic positions within the Ministry including Federal Chancellery and the cabinet of Foreign Minister K. Kinkel (1993 – 98). Before coming to Austria in September 2006, Ambassador Dr. Westdickenberg served as the German Ambassador to the Holy See – Vatican (2002 – 2006). H.E. holds the PhD degree in Human Sciences (legal studies).

Summing up after this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXP Program Director, and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador Westdickenberg stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s continued interest in EU affairs. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him as well as with the overall achievements of our young institution. He promised to return to our university for the Presidency de-briefing soon again.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic

The presentation of H.E. Dr. Gerd Westdickenberg can be found here.
A document concerning expectations of Germany's EU presidency can be found here.