Dialog im Kamptal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Dialog im Kamptal

Art studio Gräff, Gars am Kamp, Austria
Formation	May 2019; 6 years ago (May 2019)
Founder	Georgia Kazantzidu and Matthias Laurenz Gräff
Type	Non-partisan platform
Legal status	Foundation
Headquarters	Art studio Gräff/House Kazantzidu in Gars am Kamp, Austria
Official language	German
Organisators	Georgia Kazantzidu and Matthias Laurenz Gräff
Website	https://www.matthiaslaurenzgraeff.com/dialog-im-kamptal/

The Dialog im Kamptal (which means Dialogue in Kamptal) is a special meeting place for discussions about politics and history. It was started in 2019 in Gars am Kamp, Austria. This group is not linked to any political party and is run by volunteers. It's like a modern "citizens' salon" where people can talk about important topics. The main discussions are about European and Austrian politics, as well as history.

How the Dialogue Started

Opening of the Dialogue

"Dialogue in Kamptal", organizers with discussants (Philipp Jauernik, Hannes Swoboda, Emil Brix, Eric Frey)

The Dialogue in Kamptal was created by Georgia Kazantzidu and is organized by her and Matthias Laurenz Gräff. They hold the meetings at the Art studio Gräff/House Kazantzidu in Gars am Kamp. This location was chosen to show how important art is in European politics and society. It also helps to keep the discussions close to everyday people.

Both Georgia Kazantzidu, who is from Greece, and Matthias Laurenz Gräff believe in the shared history of Europe. They also value the ideas of Ancient Greece, like humanism, which is about caring for people. These ideas led them to start the dialogue and encourage people to take responsibility in society.

The Dialog im Kamptal began just before the European Parliament elections in 2019. Its goal was to help people learn more about Europe and get interested in the European Union. It also aimed to highlight Europe's history, values, and goals. The platform quickly became a place for learning and talking about politics, diplomacy, and different cultures. It helps explain social issues and promotes understanding, cooperation, and sharing ideas.

How the Meetings Work

The events don't have fixed dates, but they try to happen two or three times a year. They also often take place before national and European elections. People who participate are usually candidates or representatives from different political parties.

At each Dialogue, politicians from different parties and diplomats are invited to discuss a specific topic. A moderator guides the discussion, covering goals, topics, and even books written by the participants. The meeting ends with the audience joining in, asking questions and discussing facts with the speakers.

Past Discussions

2019

Europe Dialogue in the Kamptal

At the podium. Speech of Wolfgang Petritsch (centre)

The very first dialogue happened on May 6, just before the European Parliament elections. The main topic was the European Union. This idea of Europe is important to many different parties. They came together to have a helpful discussion about it.

They talked about Europe's goal of peace and uniting its people. They also discussed how to improve the EU's system and its economic strength. Another key point was the need for people to know more about the EU and its achievements. The importance of voting was also a big part of the discussion.

Some of the people who joined the discussion were:

• Wolfgang Petritsch, an ambassador and former international representative.
• Douglas Hoyos-Trauttmansdorff, a member of the Austrian Parliament.
• Werner Groiß, a politician.
• Josef Wiesinger, who hosted the discussion.

Wolfgang Petritsch also shared ideas from his book, "Change of Epochs - Our digital-authoritarian century."

Dialogue in the Kamptal - Bringing Politics Closer

The next meeting was on September 10, before the 2019 Austrian legislative election. Top candidates from the Waldviertel region took part.

The discussion included:

• Martina Diesner-Wais from the ÖVP.
• Alois Kainz from the FPÖ.
• Martin Litschauer from The Greens.
• Günter Steindl from the SPÖ.
• Herbert Kolinsky from NEOS.
• The physicist Werner Gruber as a special guest.
• Josef Wiesinger, who hosted the discussion.

2020

Politics, Diplomacy in the 21st Century

At the podium. Speech of Hannes Swoboda (left)

The third dialogue took place on January 27. It focused on politics, diplomacy, and cultural exchange in our modern world. The discussion looked at new challenges in these areas. A big topic was the rise of nationalism and its problems, especially within the European Union.

The discussion included:

• Emil Brix, an ambassador and director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.
• Hannes Swoboda, a former president of a group in the European Parliament.
• Philipp Jauernik, a historian.
• Eric Frey from Der Standard, who hosted the discussion.

Dialogue of the Books - Finding What is Common

Participants of the Dialogue.

The fourth dialogue was on September 12. It covered many topics, from the role of diplomacy to security issues in a globalized world. They also talked about new energy sources and environmental protection. A special part of the discussion was about the challenges of high-level diplomatic service.

The discussion included:

• Karin Kneissl, a former Austrian Foreign Minister.
• Michael Breisky, an ambassador.
• Georg Vetter, a politician.
• Georgia Kazantzidu, an organizer of the Dialogue, who hosted the discussion.

The participants also presented their own books related to these topics.

Our Europe. Who Are We, Where Are We From and Where Are We Going?

At the podium. Speech of Helmut Brandstätter (right)

The fifth dialogue happened on September 28. Topics included how Europe has developed, the COVID-19 crisis, migration, and Europe as a place for business.

The discussion included:

• Erhard Busek, a former Vice-Chancellor of Austria.
• Sebastian Prinz von Schoenaich-Carolath, an ambassador.
• Helmut Brandstätter, a member of the Austrian Parliament.
• Willi Mernyi, managing director of Austrian trade unions.
• Daniel Lohninger, a chief journalist, who hosted the discussion.

2021

NEOS

Indra Collini, Georgia Kazantzidu, Helmut Hofer-Gruber, Matthias Laurenz Gräff, Bernd Pinzer

The sixth dialogue took place on September 13. This was the first "Parties in Conversation" salon. It focused on the NEOS political party in Lower Austria. They talked about their ideas and goals, such as honest politics, fighting corruption, and equal chances in education.

The discussion included:

• Indra Collini, NEOS spokeswoman for Lower Austria.
• Helmut Hofer-Gruber, a NEOS member of the Lower Austrian Parliament.
• Bernd Pinzer, who hosted the discussion.

Importance of the Judiciary and the Austrian Constitution

Werner Groiß, Wolfgang Brandstetter, Georgia Kazantzidu, Matthias Laurenz Gräff

The seventh dialogue was on October 26. It was originally planned to celebrate "100 Years of the Austrian Federal Constitution," but was delayed due to the Corona Pandemic. This was the first "Personalities in Conversation" salon. The discussion focused on the Austrian justice system, especially because of current events.

Wolfgang Brandstetter, a former Vice Chancellor and Minister of Justice, spoke a lot about how independent the justice system is. He also discussed trust and fairness in Austrian courts.

The discussion included:

• Wolfgang Brandstetter, a former Vice Chancellor and constitutional judge.
• Werner Groiß, who hosted the discussion.

2022

Karl von Habsburg - 100 Years Paneuropa

Rainhard Kloucek, Matthias Laurenz Gräff, Georgia Kazantzidu, Karl von Habsburg

The eighth dialogue took place on March 9. This was the first "European Cooperation" salon. The main speaker was Karl von Habsburg, who is the head of the former Austrian imperial family, the Habsburgs. He is also the President of the Paneuropean Movement Austria.

The event celebrated "100 Years of Paneuropa," which is the oldest movement for European unity. They discussed what Paneuropa can do for European unity and what we can learn from the idea of Central Europe. Important global issues, like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, were also discussed.

The discussion included:

• Karl von Habsburg, President of the Pan-European Movement Austria.
• Rainhard Kloucek, Secretary General of the Pan-European Movement Austria, who hosted the event.

Karl von Habsburg also presented his book, "Karl von Habsburg: Imperial grandson between the times."

Helmut Brandstätter in Conversation

Helmut Brandstätter, Georgia Kazantzidu, Matthias Laurenz Gräff

The ninth dialogue was on December 19. This was the second "Personalities in Conversation" salon. Helmut Brandstätter, a politician from NEOS, presented his book "Healing for a Disturbed Republic." He discussed problems in Austrian politics and possible solutions. As his party's foreign policy spokesperson, he also talked about European politics, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Austria's role, including its neutrality.

The discussion included:

• Helmut Brandstätter, a member of the Austrian Parliament.

2023

Lower Austria State Election

Martin Kalchhauser, Helmut Hofer-Gruber, Reinhard Teufel, Elvira Schmidt, Georgia Kazantzidu, Matthias Laurenz Gräff, Lukas Brandweiner, Martin Litschauer

The tenth dialogue took place on January 19, just before the 2023 Lower Austrian state elections. Candidates from the parties in the state parliament participated.

The discussion included:

• Lukas Brandweiner from the ÖVP.
• Elvira Schmidt from the SPÖ.
• Reinhard Teufel from the FPÖ.
• Martin Litschauer from The Greens.
• Helmut Hofer-Gruber from NEOS.
• Martin Kalchhauser, a journalist, who hosted the discussion.