VIENNA
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Austria held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first term of 2006. Therefore, Vienna was a natural choice for the European Women’s Circle’s politico-cultural destination in June 2006. In addition, in 2006 the Mozart year was celebrated in Vienna, City of the Waltz, of baroque palaces, churches, glamorous boulevards, winding alleys, cafés, and proverbial charm. Vienna was and is one of the largest and most important cities in and for Europe. The Habsburg dynasty ruled over its mighty empire out of Vienna since the middle of the 15th century and shaped the European history for centuries. The extensive cultural program led the group to the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Museum of Art History, the treasury with the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, and to Schönbrunn Palace. The trip’s highlight was a performance of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” in the world-renowned Vienna State Opera House. The European Women’s Circle was cordially received in the Austrian parliament by Christine Marek, MP for the ÖVP and State Secretary with the Federal Department of Economy and Employment. She personally guided the group on a tour of the historic parliamentary building and answered any and all questions. During the ensuing discussion she informed the group about current Austrian politics and talked about the political work of women, as well as the percentage of female members of parliament. While the number of women volunteering and successfully working outside the established political institutions is disproportionally high, their numbers dramatically lag behind those of their male colleagues when it comes to candidacies for office. It is good to know that women in all EU member states show solidarity by working together towards a change of this situation. In this way, common interests and goals lead to a greater unification of citizens of the European Union. |
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