Excellencies,
Direktor Brix,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear students,
It is with great pleasure that I stand before you – friends, alumni, and – most importantly – students who chose the “Diplomatische Akademie Wien” as their new alma mater.
This year we are celebrating the 300th birthday of the founder of the Academy Maria Theresia - leader of the House of Habsburg and the Habsburg Empire.
The purpose of the then-called “Oriental Academy” was to educate experts in communication, trade and negotiations with neighbouring powers.
Maria Theresia desperately needed skilled professionals in her team. Professionals well versed in foreign languages. Professionals, who were ready to serve in faraway countries in order to foster dialogue with foreign empires, influences and cultures.
Almost three centuries later, this professional profile still applies. The need for diplomats, facilitators and negotiators on an international level remains important. Perhaps now more than ever.
As for the Academy, it is “Oriental” no more. But it has retained its status as a place of openness, liberty, dialogue, tolerance, and academic excellence.
I particularly would like to mention its long-established tradition of hosting debates on a variety of subjects. And its tradition of providing a platform for an open discourse with the public.
I am convinced that this excellent tradition will be continued under the new Director, Ambassador Emil Brix. I would like to congratulate Ambassador Brix upon his appointment as Director. And I wish him all the best for his tenure.
Ladies and gentlemen,
our world today is vastly different from the world 30 years ago. We have seen some profound transformations in the last decades: globalisation, digitalisation, population growth, the shifting of geopolitical balances.
In this age of changes, the world has become less predictable. Quite a number of challenges have arisen to which we will have to formulate common, global responses:
The devastating effects of climate change. Ongoing armed conflicts, in the very neighbourhood of the European Union. Terrorist attacks and the rise of religious extremism. Migratory movements on an almost unprecedented scale.
Nobody can seriously believe that any of those challenges can be tackled unilaterally, by one country alone.
It can only be done by a global effort.
It can only be done by a group of countries acting together for the greater good.
I am convinced that it will be up to the European Union to carry the torch and press ahead.
It will be up to the European Union to contribute to finding solutions to those challenges I have cited.
That is certainly true when it comes to our fight against climate change. Europe’s dedication to the Paris Agreement remains strong.
I am confident that Europe will be at the forefront of a real and true revolution in clean and sustainable energy.
A year or two ago, the European Union was written off by many. It was plagued by the Brexit referendum, inactive when it came to some of our biggest challenges, such as migration.
And it seemed bogged down in internal conflicts between North and South, East and West,
Euro members and others.
I do not want to deny that some of these rifts exist, but they have been vastly exaggerated.
Instead, what we witness today is a renewed commitment to Europe and the European Union. During my visits, all of Austria’s neighbours unanimously emphasised that they want to play an active role in the EU’s further development.
This fills me with confidence and I believe that there is a re-awakening taking place in Europe right now.
Take for example, the recent speeches of the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron. Both acknowledged that changes, and some quite fundamental changes, are needed. But they acknowledged as well that there is no alternative to our common European future.
In his speech, President Macron indicated that France was willing to give up some of its long-established rights and privileges.
I think he is right to suggest that. If we want Europe to succeed, we have to be bold.
We have to think outside the box, and most certainly, give up some of our sovereignty.
This is inevitable when 27 nation states come together to forge their common destination. What we will get in return is a stronger, more efficient Union, able to protect its citizens and their interests.
Giving up our sovereignty is an expression of solidarity. This lies at the very heart of the European idea and of the fundamental values that make up the foundation of Europe.
Another factor that inspires me with confidence is you: the young people in Europe today.
Conversing at ease in several languages, moving seamlessly from one county to another to pursue your studies, taking your sense of European belonging for granted – as it should be.
That, to me, is very inspiring to see. It is a clear sign of the fact that the European Union must have gotten something right!
You may have your doubts and fears about the EU and the course it is on. But you are not afraid to get on board and help steer the course.
Your conviction is that your European future belongs to all of you.
Recent studies show that a vast majority of young Austrians have a positive attitude towards the EU. And that they feel as European citizens.
Your confidence in Europe inspires me. This European Project will continue to be a success. As Europeans, we will do all we can so that it remains that way.
Finally, I would like to end on a personal note. You are about to start the last one or two years of your education before embarking on your future careers.
In twenty or thirty years’ time you will look back at your time at the Diplomatic Academy. When you look back, you will probably not remember what grade you achieved on a certain paper or presentation.
What will stay with you, however, are the friendships that were formed here, the enriching encounters, the inspiring ideas, the heated discussions, and, yes, also the balls and parties celebrated here.
I am told that the parties in the bar upstairs are quite legendary.
Therefore, I certainly hope that you will one day look back with fond memories of your time here in Austria and at the Diplomatic Academy.
On that note, let me wish all of you a successful academic year and all the best for your future careers!
