H.E. Georg Potyka has been Austria's Ambassador to Bulgaria since 1998. He has substantial diplomatic experience. Before coming to Sofia, he worked as head of department at the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs (1987-1998) and Ambassador of Austria at Baghdad (1984 - 1987). The University of Plovdiv conferred on him the doctor honoris causa in 2001. H.E. Potyka has also given lectures at various Bulgarian universities.
H.E. Georg Potyka answered questions of Martina Iovcheva
Q: Bulgaria's Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg paid a visit to Austria end-July. How do you assess the visit?
A: I think that the visit of the Bulgarian Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg has initiated a new style of cooperation between our two countries. It will be necessary now that the politicians and experts on both sides sort out the questions of mutual interest in order to give substance to this cooperation.
Q: During the last couple of years Austrian investments in Bulgaria have significantly increased. What are the factors that attract Austrian investors and the factors that drive them back from doing business in Bulgaria?
A: The increase of Austrian investments in Bulgaria appears to be mainly an expression of mutual trust and confidence. Both countries somehow consider each other as neighbours, and the fact that even now, at a time of crisis of international air transport, Vienna and Sofia are connected by three flights per day show the intensity of the relations. In order to keep investments at a high level, it is necessary that all Bulgarian authorities including courts and tribunals work efficiently and reliably, thus creating a climate of legal safety.
Q: Euro-integration Minister said that Bulgaria would negotiate the future of Bulgaria's nuclear units with each of the fifteen EU members. What is Austria's stand on the N-plant issue?
A: I am not aware of any recent change in the Austrian attitude with regard to the closure of the four small reactors of the Kozloduy power station. I don't think that the Austrian authorities are in favour of reopening the negotiations on this matter.
Q: What do you think is the most realistic date for Bulgaria's EU accession?
A: I cannot make any guess at this matter. I am just sure that Bulgaria will join the EU during the coming years.
Q: Do you expect visits of high-ranking Austrian officials to Bulgaria?
A: On October 5th, the Mayor of Vienna shall spend a visit to the Mayor of Sofia and attend the "Viennese Ball at Sofia" which shall take place on the evening of the same day. At the end of September, the General Manager of the Forests of Salzburg Province shall spend a visit to the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and Forests.
Q: What do you think should be changed so that Bulgarians too have the self-confidence of Europeans?
A: I cannot assess the level of self-confidence of the Bulgarians, but I think that good governance and good economic performance will always be strong pillars of a sound self-confidence. I don't think that a comparison between Bulgarians and Europeans in this respect might be useful. Each nation has its strength and its weaknesses and must be aware of both.
Q: Could you describe Bulgaria in three words?
A: I cannot describe Bulgaria in three words, but I can assure you that I enjoy my stay here because of the charming and friendly character of many Bulgarians and the beauty of the Bulgarian landscape. I equally appreciate the artistic talent of the Bulgarians, as it expresses itself in music, painting and architecture.
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