EU Culture Commissioner Micallef explores the Salzkammergut: A look into the future

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Neuer EU-Kulturkommissar Glenn Micallef besucht Bad Ischl und das Salzkammergut. Beeindruckt von der Kultur und der Region, unterstreicht er die Bedeutung der Nachhaltigkeit des Kulturhauptstadt-Titels.
New EU Culture Commissioner Glenn MiCallef visits Bad Ischl and the Salzkammergut. Impressed by the culture and the region, he underlines the importance of the sustainability of the Capital of Culture title. (Symbolbild/DNAT)

Glenn Micallef, the new EU culture commissioner, visited Bad Ischl and the picturesque region of Salzkammergut on November 29, 2024. This was done before the decisive vote on the new European Commission. The visit was private, but MEP Hannes Heide, who had invited Micallef, indicates that he gave important insights into the interests and priorities of the future commissioner.

The occasion of this visit was the relay handover of the Tartu, Bodø and Bad Ischl cultural capitals to the upcoming cultural capitals 2025, Chemnitz and Nova Gorica. An event took place in the renowned Lehártheater that celebrated the cultural heritage of these cities.

insights into culture and history

Glenn Micallef, originally from Malta, will compete on December 1st. He will be responsible for generation justice, youth, culture and sport. During his visit he was accompanied by Clint Tanti, the ambassador of Malta at the EU. Both were very impressed by the cultural diversity and the impressive landscapes of the region.

The future commissioner took part in significant events, including the presentation of the European Manifesto of the Forum Future Think in the imperial stables of Bad Ischl. A tour of the Kaiservilla, which was led by Maximilian Habsburg-Lorraine, gave MiCallef further insights into the important history of the region.

A highlight of the trip was a visit from Hallstatt, where Mayor Alexander Scheutz spoke to Micallef about the challenges of the community that also affect the cultural heritage. On the Salzberg, experts from Salzwelten GmbH explained how the salt mining shaped the region. Thorsten Pedit, Managing Director of Salzwelshel, and Kurt Thomanek, board member of Salinen AG, informed about the future of salt mining and the commitment of the saltes in the field of culture and tourism.

"I am very happy to take my first trip as a future cultural commissioner to the cultural capital of Europe in 2024. The impressive encounters in the Salzkammergut convinced me that the title also has a long -term positive effects on the region," said Micallef. In his home country of Malta, which was awarded Valletta as a cultural capital of Europe in 2018, the cultural commitment promoted regional progress.

sport and youth promotion

In addition to his cultural engagement, MiCallef will also be responsible for the sports agents within the European Commission. During his visit, he got an insight into the exemplary youth work of the Red Bull Academy in Salzburg. Young coordinator Leyti Seck and sports coordinator Stefan Tischler showed why this academy is considered one of the best training centers for prospective professional footballers in Europe. After observing a young game, a Bundesliga game between FC Red Bull Salzburg and the LASK was on the program.

The Salzkammergut region is increased at the European level. It is important to use the freshly linked contacts and networks. Hannes Heide expressed his expectations and hopes regarding the cooperation with Micallef. "He knows the region and its concerns and is an important contact for us," he emphasized. Micallef's visit could therefore not only have sustainable importance for Bad Ischl, but also for the entire Salzkammergut.

For more information on this event, see the report on www.salzkammergut-rundblick.at .