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His Great -Father Wiley T. Buchanan Jr. was the United States Ambbadador to Austria from 1975 to 1977. How much diplomacy did you learn from him?
TREVOR TRAINA: My first trip abroad was to visit my grandparents in Vienna during his tenure as US Ambbadador. I will never forget how this trip has opened my eyes to the importance of diplomacy. For me, good diplomacy is to do everything in its power to make the world safer. This is not necessarily what you do, but above all, it happens silently. This important lesson was taught by my grandfather. From him I have also learned the appreciation of other cultures, for example that of Austria.
Can you still remember something from this period?
TRAINA: I remember everything! I played in his office, it's my office now. And also at home where I live now. I remember a trip to Salzburg, a tour of the country and museums. We were at the Spanish Riding School and of course I remember my first schnitzel. However, my grandparents have never served me Tafelspitz. It's a new find for me now. It was a great experience for me then. Because we must not forget with everything: it was at that time the cold war. Vienna was at the end of West Street. It was the border with the East and my grandfather told me everything about the Cold War. Everything was directly tangible and at hand.
Austria is a small country. What is the importance for the United States and its president Donald Trump?
TRAINA: I do not consider Austria as a small country. This is an important state and barometer of sentiment and a hint of the state of health of the entire region. My feeling is that the whole region is watching Austria's leadership. In this respect, we share many interests. Security and protection of the Western Balkans, for example. Austria is a major contributor of troops for international peacekeeping missions in Kosovo or Bosnia. So, how do you do a lot in common?
You mention the interest for the Balkans. Now, the president in a tweet called Montenegro "aggressive". He wonders why NATO should defend such a small member state and Montenegro could even trigger a World War III through NATO 's obligation to provide badistance to the country. Article 5 – which caused irritation in Vienna with its particular interest for the Balkans. Can you explain what he was aiming for?
TRAINA: Joining the EU and NATO can bring positive change in young states. Austria has some experience and considerable influence in the region. I am constantly campaigning in Washington for first coordinating with Austria initiatives for the Western Balkans – all the more so as Vienna makes good sense in this regard. One of the objectives of the EU Presidency is to focus on security in the Western Balkans region. And the safe and stable western Balkan states are also in the US interest.
There has been some irritation between Europe and Washington in recent weeks. Is it difficult to serve as a diplomat for such an erratic president?
TRAINA: In my opinion, the current chairman asks questions on the same topics as the previous presidents. Whether it's the issue of fair global trade or the issue of increased financial commitment of Europeans within NATO or even the question of a more great energy autonomy of the European continent. The President is pushing for the same issues that have been important to America for a long time. The only difference is in the style of the president. However, if we look at the recent NATO press release, we all agree that it is a very positive result. More money for the United States NATO, more money for NATO from Europe, which also leads to a strengthened Europe. I hope we will see such results now also in other areas
But is not it difficult as an ambbadador to translate this kind of presidential message to European governments? and to the local public?
TRAINA: Look: I am the ambbadador of all Americans in the United States. I was unanimously elected to the US Senate, by all Democrats and Republicans. I came to Vienna with the voice of all Americans and as a voice for all Austrians. It is my job to seek every opportunity to strengthen friendship between our countries. From my experience, friends who work well together can achieve incredible things together.
Austria uses its transition function in Eastern Europe as a neutral country since the Second World War and wants to expand that role under the new government. Could you already attach it to the White House and how did it react to Washington?
TRAINA: Of course, I am constantly trying to draw attention to Washington on the strategic importance of Austria. Austria is an important ally for the United States. The Chancellor and I agreed at a meeting to remind everyone in Washington that Vienna is an excellent place for dialogue. In the future, we will certainly remember Vienna.
The economy is a major topic for transatlantic relations. Have you, as a former New Economy entrepreneur, been unfairly treated from Europe?
TRAINA: My companies that I built in the United States have not been in contact with what is discussed so controversially. We look relaxed on the world market
Does the current debate affect the New Economy in the United States?
TRAINA: For me, as a caliphonier, the technical revolution is something very real. This benefits everyone. Austrians also benefit from the creation of an AirBnB or an Uber or an Apple or a Facebook. So, to a certain extent, we should first celebrate the technological advances of the United States. Because it makes our life easier at first.
Have you discussed Google's punishment by the European Commission with the government in Washington?
TRAINA: My experience with the regulation of new technologies is that regulators do not have the high level of knowledge to really predict development in these rapidly changing markets. I refer you to US antitrust law regarding Microsoft and its Internet Explorer and its connection to Windows systems. And when the law was pbaded, the Explorer was almost obsolete. In the case of Google, it is difficult to predict how this market will evolve. And the most difficult to adjust properly. I would like to warn more in Europe and the United States of such attempts to find winners and losers in these fast-growing markets.
Companies and especially investors are always very sensitive when the feeling is negative and uncertain. How can economic relations be deepened at a time when the two countries are so mutually oriented?
TRAINA: Since trade has existed, trade has also been disputed. Especially in Austria, I would like to point out that the United States is the biggest buyer of Austrian products in the world after Germany. Our business is growing at double digits. I see trade as a focal point in our relationship and I see many benefits for both parties. I see this in a whole series of industries and have talked to a few entrepreneurs who are enthusiastic about wanting to launch the next Google in Austria.
Can you give an example?
TRAINA: One of the things I like so much about economic relations with Austria, is the wide range. This is not just about energy, not just banking, not just food or weapons. There is such a variety of industries that are active in the United States. If you are going to a top Manhattan cafe, it is safe enough to find a Green Veltliner on the menu today. For Austrian entrepreneurs, one big problem is that they can not produce enough for US demand.
Austrian wine is very popular in the United States.
TRAINA: Very popular. I've also said that to all the ministers here. American consumers want to buy more Austrian wine
Is this a special topic for you? After all, you have a cellar.
TRAINA: Yes, I have a number of personal interests. I am a technology entrepreneur and art collector, that's why I understand the art scene here. And I have a cellar in Napa Valley. I produce red wine, cabernet and merlot. I love good food and so many good and important things about Austrian culture meet my personal preferences.
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