From the Editor

Dear Readers,

The year 2005 will be a commemorative one, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the end of WWII, fifty years of Austria's independence and ten years of Austria's European Union membership.

The current issue wraps up some important events of 2004: What sadly stands out is the disastrous tsunami on December 26. Read about Austria's reaction to it; a critical view by the Institute of Human Sciences on the problems of 'democracy today' and the European integration; the spectacular U.S. tour of the Vienna Boys' Choir; and the accreditation of Austria's Ambassador in the U.S. to the Bahamas.

There is more on the cultural front: A two-day conference on links between Chicago and Vienna; and an artistic junket to Vienna for a current exhibition of American art from the 60s onwards.

On the educational front: A list of Austrian summer schools for aficionados of the German language.

Yours sincerely,
Christoph Meran