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Meuse-Rhine Mourns
[EDIT: Aachen, Liège, Maastricht, September 15]
To the knell of a single bell, a column of 10,000 moved off, in silence and in slow march
time, from Maastricht's Vrijthof square through the winding cobbled streets of the city to
the place of remembrance. Friday September 14, it was 57 years ago, to the day, that US
forces had liberated their city from wartime occupation. Men, women and children made
their silent protest, as they did in towns throughout the region, against the cowardly
terrorist attack on the United States that will surely live on in the annals of infamy.
The number of casualties is likely to more than double that suffered at Pearl Harbor.
Earlier in the week, Aachen's
great cathedral, the foundation of which dates back to Charlemagne himself, was filled to
bursting by worshippers at a service of intercession for the victims. The congregation,
holding candles and white roses, were led in prayer by the Bishop of Aachen, Mgr.
Mussinghoff, and the Superintendent of the Evangelical Church Hans-Peter Bruckhoff. In
Liège, the Fêtes de Wallonie dispensed with the delightful local Cramignon folk
dance through the streets of the city and with the audiovisual spectacular and the
firework display. The governor's opening speech in the courtyard of the palace of the
Prince Bishops was somber, dwelling on the dreadful circumstances, as the mayor had done
in his discourse earlier in the day.
http://www.webcontentnow.com
http://www.regioblick.de
http://www.liege.be
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
A REGIONAL MEDIUM
[BIZ: Aachen, September 13]
The Dutch-German Business Club, which now numbers 100 members, held its 10th occasional
meeting at the Aachener VerlagsGesellschaft which publishes Aachen's two dailies. The
company has recently taken over the Limburg Weekblad press, giving it advertising coverage
throughout Meuse-Rhine. The group was addressed by MD Mr Hildebrand and Mr Daalmans,
director of the SuperSonntag Verlag/Limburger Weekblad Pers. SuperSonntag's editor Andreas
Mueller, showed the group around the building and discussed the new operation of the
Limburg Weekblad Pers which will be located at a new building in Geleen; a central
location for coverage of the region. Incidentally, the Aachener Zeitung internet version
provides some of the best coverage of Meuse-Rhine and is reported to cost in excess of EUR
500,000.
Club contacts Ardy Assink at the Maastricht Chamber and Frank Malis in Aachen.
http://www.aachener-zeitung.de
MONEY,
MONEY, MONEY
[BIZ: Aachen, September 11]
There will be an information session on
October 23 at the Technologiezentrum on the Europaplatz in Aachen for starters and
entrepreneurs looking for funding for technology-based business. Appointments can be made
with funding agencies between 10.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs by appointment. Contact Havva Coskun
at AGIT. h.coskun@agit.de
http://www.agit.de
SWINGS
AND ROUNDABOUTS AT FORD
[IND: Genk, September 11]
Unions have given notice of a strike at the Ford plant in Genk September 17. Pressure of
work is given as the reason in a report in Het Belang van Limburg. Earlier reports
indicated that 7 work-free days were to be introduced on the Mondeo line and 11 on the
Transit line, with similar measures to be taken next year, putting workers under increased
pressure. These are part of a cost-saving package intended to produce savings of EUR
1.09m. needed because of overcapacity and bad results. In the US, Ford has cut 5,000 jobs.
Earlier reports indicated that a record number of Transit vans had been made at Genk. The
projection for 2001 is 442,000 vehicles, made up of 336,000 Mondeos and 106,000 Transits.
The prognoses come from Ford and would bring the figures for 2001 up to the level of Ford
Genk's record years 1994 and 1995. The 106,000 Transit forecast would be an absolute
record. This is in contrast to last year's lower production figures. In the summer
vacation this year, more Mondeos were made than in the whole of the year 2000. 2000 was a
good year for Transits, however, when they produced 90,000.
http://www.hbvl.be
http://www.limburger.nl
http://www.vkw-limburg.be
ING's
25% STAKE IN VESTEDA
[BIZ: Maastricht, September 10]
A declaration of intent has been signed between ING Real Estate and Vesteda allowing ING
to take a EUR 725m stake (25% of the business) in Vesteda. Currently ABP, one of the
world's top pension funds with its HQ in Heerlen, is the sole shareholder in Vesteda. ING
is an international real estate company, related to the well- known bank, specializing in
development, asset management and financing, with a focus on shopping, housing, work and
parking. It is capitalized at EUR 29bn and is among the world's top real estate operators.
Vesteda is a real estate company, very active in Maastricht, which specializes in managing
and developing upscale housing. With 40,000 houses, it is the Netherlands' biggest.
Vesteda achieved an investment result of EUR 738m on its EUR 4.0bn portfolio for the year
2000. ABP is expecting other stakeholders will be drawn to Vesteda, which in the long term
will reduce its own stake to 25%.
http://www.vesteda.nl/nl/html/nieuws/nieuws.asp?ID=38
HEWLETT-PACKARD BUYS INDIGO
[BIZ: Chicago, September 6]
Hewlett-Packard is to acquire the remaining outstanding shares of Maastricht-based Indigo
NV. HP currently owns 14.8 million of Indigo's common shares, representing 13.4% of the
company's outstanding shares. Under the agreement, HP will acquire the remaining shares of
Indigo for approximately USD 629m in HP common stock and a potential future cash payment
of up to USD 253m, contingent on Indigo's achievement of long-term revenue goals, a total
of up to $882 million. The transaction is expected to add to earnings per share in its
first full year of operation. Indigo NV is the leader in high performance digital color
printing systems. Indigo's digital offset color technology combines the quality of
ink-based offset printing with the performance advantages of digital imaging. Its
products, including its proprietary ElectroInk, are used in the commercial, industrial and
photographic printing markets. Indigo is headquartered in Maastricht, with R&D and
manufacturing operations in Israel. This cash injection should give Indigo the ability to
challenge competitors like Xerox and Océ.
http://www.indigonet.com/htmlnews/o9-06-HP.htm
CAR
DOING WELL
[IND: Aachen, September 6]
Manfred Kistermann reports in the Aachener Zeitung that CAR, the Aachen region Automotive
Competence Center, now has 50 members - initially there was some uncertainty about the
precise numbers. The most recent to join is ISATEC, a young Aachen company, in engineering
and plastics working on product development for the automotive sector. After the first six
months, CAR's chairman Guenther Gebhardt, the MD of the Continental in Aachen, has
pronounced himself well satisfied with the results. Fifty members employing 7500, with a
turnover of around EUR 2bn puts some weight into the scale. The next move will be into
marketing and information exchange. This will start with a fireside meeting at
Aachen's city hall in November. Regional marketing, in cooperation with the universities,
the Chamber of Commerce and AGIT is in progress. Aachen's mayor, Juergen Linden wants to
get all of the relevant parties round the table to make sure that Aachen becomes Europe's
leading technology region. CAR is about to appoint a marketing manager and major
automotive retailers in the region are attempting, with the assistance of North-Rhine
Westphalia's Ministry of Economic Affairs, to set up a cooperative program with Russian
partners for used cars and spare parts - a novel departure.
http://www.aachener-zeitung.de
http://www.isatecplastics.de
SWEDISH
ARMY BIKES FOR MAASTRICHT
[BIZ: Maastricht, September 5]
The Swedish army's Kronan bikes will be produced by the Maastricht company Neocycles from
October. This velocipede costs EUR 272 and is very popular with young people, having
achieved cult status.
http://www.kronan.nl
TOP
500
[BIZ: Hasselt, September 3]
The Belgian Employers Association VKW-Limburg will be holding a press conference to
announce the top 500 companies in the province with an analysis of 2001 on September 21 on
the 1st floor of the VKW building at Kunstlaan 16, Hasselt.
http://www.vkw-limburg.be
PARKSTAD
BUSINESS CLUB
[BIZ: Heerlen, September]
The Limburg Organization of Independent Entrepreneurs (LOZO) has set up a
business-to-business club for entrepreneurs in the Parkstad region. Its first meeting will
be held September 24 in the Roda stadium and is free of charge for entrepreneurs.
Information available on 077-320.8080.
http://www.kamerkrantzuidlimburg.nl
MEUSE-RHINE
PURCHASING
[BIZ: Liège, September]
October 19 a Euroregional purchasing day will be held in Liège by the regions' chambers
of commerce. The object of the exercise is to promote transfrontier business.
http://www.kamerkrantzuidlimburg.nl
CONTINENTAL
HYBRID ENGINE FOR GM
[IND: Frankfurt, August 31]
General Motors is reported by Continental AG to be about to install Continental hybrid
engine in two of its large pickup models, the Chevy Silverado and the MC Sierra. The
hybrid provides an electric power alternative, in addition to the gasoline-powered engine,
and has up to 10 percent improved fuel efficiency. It can also be used as a source of
power for electrical appliances or equipment.
http://www.just-auto.com
OPEL
COLORS IN LIMBURG
[IND: Overpelt, August 28]
Overpelt paint specialists, Limbucolor, have won a EUR 87m contract from Opel Germany to
provide the paint line for the doors of the Opel Vectra. The company has also won orders
for airbags from Renault, Ford Cologne and Opel.
http://www.limbucolor.be
http://www.vkw-limburg.be
NEW PRINTING WORKS
[BIZ: Houthalen, August 27]
The Houthalen printers Haletra are going to build a new printing works on the Center South
business park in Houthalen-Helchteren. This will represent an investment of EUR 3.72m
and employ 10 people, which will eventually double. The investment will be in new
plant and the printing works will be called 'SuperDruk'.
http://www.haletra.be
DEVRO-TEEPAK
GETS NEW OWNER
[BIZ: Lommel, August 23]
Devro-Teepak, a world leader in the production of casings for the food industry, with a
European plant in Lommel, has been taken over by Lake Pacific Partners, a private equity
investment firm focusing on food, consumer products, consumer services and related
industries. The company manages more than USD 100m of equity capital and is based in
Chicago. The sale is still to be approved by the shareholders. The company with 1300
employees will be renamed Teepak. The operation in Lommel, which includes the sales
office, is one of the company's largest with 400 employees.
http://www.devro.plc.uk
http://www.lakepacific.com
TESSENDERLO
TAKES OVER ACORDIS
[BIZ: Tessenderlo, August 23]
Tessenderlo has just acquired Acordis Fine Chemicals in Leek, near Manchester. Acordis
Fine Chemicals is a business unit of the Acordis Group, employing 90 with annual sales of
some EUR 30m. It has established market leadership in a range of aroma chemicals, acetate
esters and chloroesters. The company will be renamed Tessenderlo Fine Chemicals. It
produces specialties for use by manufacturers and formulators, sold mainly to the flavor
and fragrance (40%), tobacco and pharmaceutical industry. The Tessenderlo Group is an
international chemicals group with over 100 branches in 21 countries. 7,300 work for the
group of whom 2,500 are located in Belgium. The company's consolidated turnover was EUR
1.818m in the year 2000. Its focus is on inorganic chemicals, natural organic products,
fine chemicals, PVC and plastics converting. It is a world leader in most of its product
areas. Earlier this year, on June 29, it acquired the French compound manufacturer
Technicompound, which is based in Doue-la-Fontaine, near Nantes. Technicompound was part
of the ERAM Group (France's leading shoe producer) and produced 15,000 tons per year of
PVC and TPE compounds which are used for the shoe and building industries.
http://www.tessenderlo.com
TRITONE
TARGETS TOP 5
[BIZ: Maastricht, undated]
The new management triumvirate, appointed by Tritone Telecom May 1, includes Alain
Van den Broeck (CEO), Klaus Gach (CFO) and Jacques Adam (COO). They were formerly
employed as the director of marketing and sales, director of finance and human
resources and director business development, respectively. The new team wants to roll out
its own fiber-optic network in the Netherlands, Belgium and North Rhine Westphalia and be
among the top 5 Dutch business wireline telcos within five years. Tritone is a cooperative
effort by Essent Kabelcom, Nutsbedrijven Maastricht, Belgacom and the Limburg Development
Company, LIOF. These organizations have bundled their cable networks and expertise and
offer wireline telephony in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Tritone is the first
telco to offer transfrontier services using its own fiber optic network. It is also
connected to other fiber optic networks in the Netherlands and the rest of the world
and able to provide international and national voice, datacom and ISP at competitive
rates. Currently it employs 120 at its headquarters in Maastricht and expects to employ
300 within a year.
http://www.tritone-tele.com
http://www.internetnews.com/intl-news/article/0,,6_100811,00.htm
LOGISTICS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
EUR 10M ON HASSELT SHOWCASE
[INFRA: Hasselt, September 13]
The Grenslandhallen Exhibition Center in Hasselt will be extended and refurbished. A
further 8,000 m² will be added to the existing buildings by 2003 and an expanded
infrastructure will allow larger cultural and sporting events, including concerts and
conferences.
http://www.aachener-zeitung.de
LIDL BIG GROCERS IN GENK
[LOG: Genk, September 9]
The German retail grocery giant Lidl is going to build a distribution center in Genk. Lidl
has acquired 12 ha at the former mining site of Winterslag from the Limburg Reconversie
Maatschappij (the Development Company). It will be the distribution center for
southeast of Belgium and will provide employment for 100. Due to open half way through
next year, it is part of the Hermes project. Lidl which has a turnover of at least EURO
10bn is in the top 20 worldwide.
http://www.lidl.de
BELGIAN
MOVE ON IRON RHINE
[INFRA: Roermond, September 6]
Belgium wants to start trains running on the Iron Rhine on January 1, 2002: one train
daily, Antwerp via Central Limburg through to the German Ruhr. The Minister of
transport, Tina Netelenbos, has given instructions for the rail infrastructure and
management to reactivate the network, which has been unused for 10 years. The actual
decision on the reactivation is not due until November 15. The decision is expected on a
temporary routing of 15 trains per day and a final routing of 43, to become effective in
10 years. Both decisions require an Environmental Impact Report and an open enquiry. The
municipalities through which the train would run are against it, as is the province of
Limburg. However according to memorandum of understanding between Belgium and the
Nederland's, drawn up on March 29, 2000, by the end of 2002, 15 trains per day must
be able to use the track.
http://www.limburger.nl
PROLOGIS
UPDATE
[BIZ: Liège, September 5]
Prologis the U.S. global logistics giants are setting up a distribution center in
Hauts-Sarts, Liège. They will be investing EUR 1 7.36m in the site, not EUR 12.5 m as
previously stated. The distribution center will have a surface area of 4,4916 m² and will
be built in two phases, one will be operational at the end of 2001 and one at the end
of 2002. The space will be rented out clients including companies such as Siemens, TNT,
FedEx, Carrefour etc.
http://www.lalibre.be
RWE
GAS GOES DUTCH
[INFRA: Dortmund, September 4]
RWE, the German power utility active in North-Rhine Westphalia, among other places, is
targeting development of the Dutch market. It has established a 100% subsidiary, RWE Gas
Nederland NV with its head office in Hoofddorp, near Amsterdam Airport. ' This will allow
the development of a competitive business and aid us in pursuing a consistent growth
strategy in the Dutch market,' said Volker Bernstorff of the RWE Gas board. The new
company will be looking for major clients using more than a million m³ of gas annually.
The liberalization of the Dutch gas market means that from 2002 there will be a free
choice of provider. RWE took over in the Nutsbedrijf Haarlemmermeer at the beginning of
2000 and, pending the official decision of the authorities, is taking a share in Obragas
Holding N.V., Helmond and Intergas N.V. in Oosterhout, increasing its share of the Dutch
market to 7% and supplying 365, 000 clients.
http://www.rwe.com
NEW
IN HASSELT-MAASTRICHT LINE
[INFRA: Hasselt, September 4]
Belgian Rail NMBS will be conducting a feasibility study for line 20 Hasselt-Maastricht
next year. The start up of the Transnational University between Maastricht and Hasselt and
the availability of European Union Funds for Euro-Regional light rail links is the
motivation for this change of heart, said NMBS spokesman, Leen Uyterhoeven, quoted in Het
Belang Van Limburg.
http://www.hbvl.be
AUTOMOTIVE
PRESENCE
[INFRA: Beek, September]
Technoport Europe, next to the highway and adjacent to Maastricht-Aachen Airport, has an
automotive presence. Jaguar has developed an outlet. Saab seems likely to join them.
Currently Rover MG and a range of BMW facilities are also available.
http://www.kamerkrantzuidlimburg.nl
CHAMBER NEWS
[INFRA: Maastricht,
September]
The Chamber of Commerce for South-Limburg is getting more active on the business news
front as to which its recent editions bear witness. There have even been extensive
articles on Liège Airport and now they are going on camera.
A new business program will be broadcast by the new TV station TV/Totaal in addition to
its 60,000 circulation Kamerkrant. Its Business TV program, ' Totaal Suxes', will
have a strictly neutral character, although Chamber journalists will participate.
Twenty-six programs will run through to September 2002 .
http://www.kamerkrantzuidlimburg.nl
NEW NATO SITE
[INFRA: Brunssum, September]
AFNORTH NATO's Northern European HQ in Brunssum, South-Limburg announces in its Northern
Star Magazine that their website has been renewed.
http://www.afnorth.nato.int
TV TOTAAL GOES LIVE
[INFRA: Maastricht, September]
Limburg's new TV station, TV Totaal, goes live in the first week of October. Among those
appearing will be well- known Limburg personalities, including the singer Beppie Craft,
Limburg's most elegant attorney Theo Hiddema and journalist Jean Nelissen. The news will
continue to be provided on cable, emphasizes Editor- in- Chief Wim Cremers. Programs
will be in three blocks of 1 to 2 hours in the morning, midday and in the
evening.
http://www.tvtotaal.nl
A
NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN GENK
[LOG: Genk, August 30]
Ikea, the Swedish furniture manufacturer, is setting up a EUR 50m Benelux distribution
center at the former Winterslag mining site near Genk to be operational in April
2002. The center will employ 200 and has a storage capacity of 160,000 m² including
office space. April 14, 2002, Ikea is also opening a new store in Hognouille, Liège. The
company currently has 160 stores in 22 countries and its sales last year reached EUR
9.5bn.
http://www.vkw-limburg.be
ANOTHER PARKSTAD
[INFRA: Aachen, August 30]
Parkstad, the Association of Municipalities in the Heerlen area, is seen as worthy of
imitation by Mayor Juergen Linden of Aachen. He is suggesting a co-operative association
of municipalities around Aachen, which would focus on traffic, planning,
economic development, tourism and the arts. This would give the Aachen area an urban
region of 550,000 inhabitants. The next project would be an extension of the Euregiobahn
light rail link between Heerlen and Stolberg, the construction of a ring-road around
Herzogenrath through the Netherlands and the widening of the Aachen-Cologne Highway.
http://www.ld.nl
HARLEY
DAVIDSON IN HOUTHALEN
[LOG: Houthalen, August 28]
Harley Davidson, the well-known American motorbike manufacturer, is going to establish its
European distribution center in Houthalen-Helchteren. The Rotterdam distribution center
will probably be wound up. According to Het Belang van Limburg the new distribution
center in Houthalen-Helchteren will be a joint project between Harley-Davidson and
Caterpillar Logistics. Caterpillar Logistics will run the parts departments, including
accessories and clothing. Harley Davidson will be celebrating its centenary next year.
This year the company achieved EUR 228m in net profit on sales of EUR 1.75bn.
http://www.vkw-limburg.be
EAST BELGIAN BUSINESS PARK
[INFRA: Eupen, June 25]
The Walloon government has approved the change of the sectorial plan for Eupen- Verviers.
This means that the Rovert Industrial Park in Raeren is free to expand. The project
envisages the creation of a forty hectare site for industry, trades and SMEs. The Noël
Marquet company is developing plans. There will not however be room for larger companies
as traffic is to be limited.
http://www.brf.be
EMPLOYMENT
CONFERENCE IN ROERMOND
[INTRA: Maastricht August 21]
There is to be a conference in de Oranjerie on November 1 from 09:30 to 16:30 hrs in de
Oranjerie in Roermond to discuss the value of work and a new look at the Limburg labor
market. In addition to speakers there will be workshops. The main program will be chaired
by well- known Dutch personality Marcel van Dam. http://www.vertrouwenspact.nl
FREE
BUSES FOR tUL STUDENTS
[INFRA: Maastricht, August 22]
There will be free bus transport for students of the new Transnational University in
Maastricht-Hasselt between the two campuses. The University of Maastricht has 10,000
students and the Limburg University Center in Diepenbeek near Hasselt has 2,000 students.
The University administrators expect the new Transnational University to attract 4,000
students.
http://www.limburger.nl
GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATION
HOW TO BE A EUROPEAN
[EDU: Liège, September 15]
The start of classes at the University of Liège will be marked by a major seminar/debate
on September 18 between 10.00 - 12.00 hrs at the Amphithéâtre de l'Europe at the
Sart-Tilman campus. The participants will include the European Commissioner for Scientific
Research, Philip Busquin, the Director of TNT, Nicky Terzakes, and Jacques Attali, a
former close associate of President François Mitterand. According to Le Soir, Mr
Attali's customary fee is EUR 12,394 per diem; but, on this occasion, he has given the
university a 50% discount and will only be billing them for EUR 6,107 - there was some
family connection with the banking industry, if I am not mistaken.
http://www.ulg.ac.be/agenda
http://www.lesoir.be
http://www.attali.com
KNOWLEDGE
INFRASTRUCTURE
[GOV: Maastricht, September 12]
The Netherlands' three southern provinces have formed a South Netherlands Alliance and
have submitted a proposal to Central Government with twelve investment proposals to a
value of EUR 338m. The proposals are intended to be a part of the nation's economic
structural policy for the 2003-2006 period. The alliance is looking for a central
government contribution to the South of EUR 114m. The greater part of the investment EUR
224m is expected to be funded from the region itself, both from public and private
sources. The alliance has developed the proposals together with the Regional
Development Companies, Universities, a number of intermediary organizations and some large
companies. The proposals are in conformity with the eight ICES (Interdepartmental
Committee for the Reinforcement of the Economic Infrastructure) and KIS (Knowledge
Infrastructure) topics i.e. information transfer and SMEs, information and communications
technology, systems innovation, life sciences. The information can be obtained from the
Province of Limburg hmmg.daniels@plvlimburg.nl
http://www.limburg.nl
EUROPEAN EQUESTRIAN CENTER
[EDU: Vielsalm, September 10]
A new equestrian education center at Mont-le-Soie in Vielsalm was opened in the presence
of Prince Laurent and the Walloon Minister of Agriculture, José Happart, Governor Bernard
Caprasse, the Rector of the University of Liège and the Mayor of Vielsalm. The Center will cooperate with
the University's celebrated Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
http://www.ulg.ac.be/le15jour/
50
MILLION EUROS FOR MEUSE-RHINE
[GOV: Maastricht, September 6]
The treaties for the next round of European Union subsidies were signed at Government
House in Maastricht on September 5, it provides a sum of EUR 50m for projects which
improve cross-border cooperation and runs to the year 2006. Through the accompanying
speeches Jürgen Roters President of the Meuse-Rhine council pointed to the importance of
education and linguistic competence. Jan Tindermans representing the province of Limburg,
gave an overview of the other regions and the funding that was already in progress.
Section A concerns cross-border cooperation that is
the promotion of integrated regional development between bordering regions.
Section B concentrates on cross-national cooperation, contributing to an integrated and
harmonious territory across the European Union.
Section C aims to reinforce interregional cooperation and by the same token to improve the
policies and techniques of interregional economic development.
http://www.inforegio.cc.eu.int
EUR
86 M FROM GOVERNMENT
[GOV: Maastricht, September 5]
The Limburg NL provincial budget for 2005 has been presented to the Provincial Parliament
and will be discussed on November 8 and 9. The discussion can be followed live via the
website http://www.limburg.nl
For the year 1999-2003 an extra EUR 86 million gross is to be added which will be used to
pursue current policy objectives, which include the Environment, Care and Culture, Work
and Infrastructure. Among the amounts to be dispersed is a sum in excess of EUR 1.5m for
major projects which include cross border activities and in the case of Netherlands'
Limburg, the development of a border information center.
BORDER
INFORMATION CENTER
[GOV: Heerlen, September 3]
The provincial government is going to establish a telephone information center where the
public can access information on cross border regulations. In the first instance, the
center known as the GIP will provide information on taxation, social security and
health insurance. In the long term, it should provide answers to a range of cross
border issues. Staffed by two or three, it will be located at the Revenue Department at
Heerlen, which has the largest amount of data in this area. The original plan for a more
general information center: the expertise center for cross border co-operation ( ECGS) has
been slimmed down. The original budget of EUR 726,282 was found too high by the
Under-Minister for Economic Affairs, Gerrit de Vries. The province will now contribute EUR
313,209 and when the operation starts up, the Central Government will make an additional
EUR 90,7785 available. The center should be available as of December 31.
http://www.ld.nl
NEW
DEFINITIONS OF VALUE
[EDU: Maastricht, September 3]
A conference is to be held at the Institute of Infonomics in Heerlen, November 4-6 on new
definitions of value. Topics include notions of value, non-monetary economic activity,
measurement without prices, free software, the meaning of money electronic currencies,
communities, social networks, reputation, trust and identity, formal and informal law,
disappearing borders and internet jurisdiction, space and navigation, political space,
government, new media and freedom, geographical space access impact and inequality - quite
a lot, all told. Leading international scholars will attend. Further information can be
obtained from http://www.infonomics.nl/newdefinitions
LIEGE
U GOES ONLINE
[EDU: Liège, September]
Information and registration at the University of Liège is going online using a
management application developed by the University and known as Penelope. In
addition to registering, students will also be able to consult the University calendar
with an on-line course list and course descriptions. Personal data will be easily updated.
The system will be available from next spring.
http://www.ulg.ac.be
NEW FRENCH CONSUL GENERAL
[GOV: Liège, September]
Following the appointment of the director of the Autonomous Port of Liège,
Marie-Dominique Simonet, as Consul General for the UK, the Parisian Edith Ravaux has been
appointed Consul General for the French Republic at Liège. Madame Ravaux's previous
appointments include Brasilia, Mexico, Rome and Quebec with intervening periods in Paris.
Madame Ravaux studied languages at the National Institute for Oriental Civilizations and
Languages.
http://www.lalibre.be
E-FOLIO SUBSIDY FOR MU
[EDU: Maastricht, August 31]
The University of Maastricht together with the University and Hogeschool Utrecht
will be receiving almost EUR 500,000 for an experiment with e-portfolios, in which they
will be able to collect their work and papers on line.
http://www.ld.nl
THE TOCQUEVILLE PRIZE TO EUROPEAN OMBUDSMAN
[EDU: Maastricht, August 27]
EIPA, the European Institute of Public Administration, has awarded the Alexis de
Tocqueville Prize 2001 to the European Ombudsman, Jacob Söderman, for his considerable
contribution to improving public administration in Europe. A legal expert by training, Mr
Söderman has been parliamentary ombudsman of Finland, as well as a member of the Finnish
Parliament and of the Finnish Government (Minister of Justice, Minister of Social Affairs
and Health). The award ceremony will take place on November 21.
http://www.eipa.nl
http://www.euro-ombudsman.eu.int
REFERENDUM FOR LIMBURG/NL
[GOV: Maastricht, August 22]
The population of the Netherlands Limburg will be able to participate in referendums to
decide on important social matters. The Meuse defenses are probably the first upon which a
referendum will be held.
http://www.limburg.nl
LIFE SCIENCE AND SCI-TECH
GRUENENTHAL CENTER STAGE
[LIFE-SCI: Aachen, September 14]
In the series of presentations by leading companies in the Aachen technology region, there
will be a session on September 17, starting at 18.30 hrs in the Grand Foyer of the Chamber
of Commerce in Aachen, devoted to the International Pharmaceutical Group, Gruenenthal
GmbH, based in Aachen and Stolberg, a research pharmaceutical manufacturer and a private
family company, employing 5,000 world-wide (around 1800 in Germany) with a consolidated
turnover of EUR 650m. Speakers include the managing partner of Gruenenthal Michael Wirtz
and the general manager Dr. Eric-Paul Pâques who will be speaking on 'Research into Pain
at Gruenenthal'.
http://www.aachen.ihk.de
AIXTRON SELLS REACTOR TO TAIWAN
[SCI-TECH: Aachen, September 12]
Aachen has sold a 5x6" AIX 2600G3 Planetary Reactor for the growth of HBT and pHEMT
wafers to Inforcomm Semiconductor Corporation (ISC). The newly established start up
company, based at the Hsinchu Science-Based Park in Taiwan, is focusing on providing
epi-wafers for wireless communication applications. The new facility with a surface area
of more than 20,000 sq.ft is already fully operational and will enable the mass production
of MOCVD-grown epitaxial HBT and pHEMT wafers. AIXTRON's G3 Planetary Reactor was the
first choice for the core technology of this modern epi wafer foundry. AIXTRON has already
installed 500 MOCVD systems world-wide and is represented in over 15 countries.
http://www.aixtron.com
MICROSYSTEMS AT OBERBRUCH
[SCI-TECH: Aachen, September 11]
On September 26 and 27 there will be a seminar on 'Microsystems technology in the
production technology' at the Oberbruch Industrial Park. Topics to be dealt with will
include microsystems technology in the region and in North Rhine Westphalia, microsystems
technology design tools for applications in micro-optics and telecommunication, the
production of optical micro components, the miniaturization of three-dimensional
electro-optical parts, some information about the Oberbruch Industrial Park and further
discussions of nanomechanics and nanotechnology. There will also be a visit to the Center
for Production Technology in Micro Systems Technology. Information from forner@teg-heinsberg.de
and
http://www.teg-heinsberg.de
GUENTHER-LEIBFRIED PRIZE 2001
[SCI-TECH: Juelich, September 11]
The Guenther-Leibfried prize of the Juelich Research Center is awarded each year to
doctoral candidates, who have not only produced significant work, but who are also able to
discuss their activities in intelligible language. This year saw three successful
candidates who excelled in the translation of scientific topics into a language accessible
to the layman. Dr Sebastian Schmidt, Dr Peter Schroth shared first place and each received
EUR 2,000 and EUR 1,000 went to Dr Simone Baer-Lang in third place. The prizes will be
awarded on November 6.
http://www.fz-juelich.de
ELSA AND BLUETOOTH
[SCI-TECH: Aachen, September 10]
Bluetooth is a wireless device which enables pieces of electronic hardware to communicate
with one another without wires. ELSA is the first producer to provide a bluetooth
handsfree car telephone system. It allows mobile telephones to be used with a wireless
base station in an automobile and allows all occupants of the car to use the same
system.
http://www.elsa.de
BIOTECH ROADSHOW
[LIFE-SCI: Maastricht, September 7]
There will be a Biotech Roadshow on October 11 at the University of Maastricht,
Universiteitssingel 40-50, from 10.00 - 16.00 hrs. A number of major companies in the
Netherlands and elsewhere will participate, including: Beckman Coulter Nederland BV, Beun
de Ronde BV, Bio-Rad Laboratories BV, Boom BV, Bruker Nederland NV, Dijkstra Vereenigde
BV, Dionex BV, Greiner Bio-One BV, HCI Cryogenics BV, ITK Diagnostics BV, Lab Services,
Merck Eurolab BV, Mictronic BV, New Brunswick Scientific BV, Richard van Seenus
Technologies BV, Sanbio BV, Sanyo Gallenkamp BV, Shimadzu Benelux, Snijders Scientific and
Sopachem BV.
http://www.fhi.nl/biotech
ERICSSON BUNDLES MARKETS
[SCI-TECH, Aachen, September 7]
Ericsson bundles its business activities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland to provide a
better service to its customers. The organizational program took effect on September 1.
The new tri-country organization DACH, standing for the three countries involved, will be
responsible for the mobile communications market, supplying UMTS services to Vodafone,
Mobilcom and e-Plus in Germany, Mobilkom and Connect One in Austria and Swisscom in
Switzerland. Consumer products will be part of the Sony Ericsson joint venture and the
research and development subsidiary Ericsson Eurolab Deutschland GmbH and Ericsson
Business Networks GmbH with a new partner Apax will not be effected by the changes. The
bundling operation will mean the shedding of 560 jobs, the greater number in Germany.
http://www.ericsson.de/presse
NEW WAFERS FROM AIXTRON
[SCI-TECH: Aachen, September 6]
Aixtron is proud to announce the successful development of III-V Compound Semiconductor
Transistor Material Technology on Silicon Wafers. High Electron Mobility Transistors
(HEMT) have been built from III-V on Silicon Wafers produced with this new technology.
Achieving ultra high bandwidth high speed interconnects is one of the key problems in
advancing communication and computation. The monolith integration of III-V ultra
electronics such as laser diodes and LEDs onto wafers so that the ultra high bandwidth and
speed of these devices can be exploited for on-chip and off-chip interconnections is the
object of the exercise. The advantage in this latest development is enhanced thermal
durability without loss of performance. Aixtron's HeteroWafer epitaxy technology is made
available on a free of charge user license base, along with all new MOCVD equipment
purchases dedicated to such material systems.
http://www.aixtron.com
NEW IT COURSES
[SCI-TECH: Aachen, September 4]
The Aachen association of IT-based companies REGINA with a core of 80 members from among
the 300 IT companies in the region, is promoting in-service training for IT students. New
in service-based courses are due to start in the summer of 2002. Students will be employed
and also attend lectures and practicals for three days a week. The program offered by the
Electronics and It Department of the Applied Sciences University in Aachen will lead to a
Bachelor's degree. This reports comes from Claudia Metzger.
http//www.aachtener-zeitung.de
ENERGY FROM FOOTBALL STADIUM
[SCI-TECH: Essen, September 4]
The pedestrian bridge at the Schalke 04 football club's stadium is being used by the RWE
power utility to provide solar energy as part of the company's tradition of research into
renewable energy. An area of 866 m2 will be producing 87 Kw and saving 70,000 KwH of
electricity for the network each year, using 835 solar modules.
http://www.rwe.com
CYCOS PARTNERS PHILIPS
[SCI-TECH: Alsdorf, September 3]
Cycos and Philips Business Communications GmbH have announced a sales partnership deal for
Germany. The basis of the master agreement is for the delivery of hardware and software
for unified messaging and CTI (Computer, Telephony Integration) solutions as well as the
provision of services, such as consultation, development, project management,
installation, training and maintenance. This development follows a recent partnership with
Siemens.
http://www.cycos.com
MORNINGSTAR RISES
[SCI-TECH: Heerlen, September]
This year's recently opened LIOF Business Center Technohouse in Heerlen is filling up. A
recent arrival is Morningstar Systems, a specialist in internet-based applications for
companies. Morningstar is a wholly-owner subsidiary of the company of the same name in the
US. The company sells the Livelink software package, used for setting up intra and
extranet systems for large companies.
http://www.morningstarsystems.nl
IONIC TO TRACK MOBILES
[SCI-TECH: Liège, August 8]
Ionic Software in Liège, one of the world's leading companies in mapping from space, has
been selected for the OpenLS Testbed which started on September 13 and is expected to
finish by January 2002. A key requirement of this system is the location tracking of
mobile phones. In October 2001, US phone carriers will be required by law to be able to
identify the location of cell phone callers. Commercial location aware applications for
people on the move are becoming increasingly valuable, in addition to uses in emergency
response, public safety and disaster management - as we saw at the beginning of this week.
http://www.opengis.org
http://www.ionicsoft.com
CMG BUILDING OPENS
[SCI-TECH: Maastricht, August]
CMG has grown from a one-man operation in Maastricht to a 300 strong workforce and they
have recently moved into their new building at Randwyck, Maastricht. The company was
originally British and started in the sixties in the IT sector. It has since become a
worldwide organization, employing 13,000 in consultancy, software development and systems
management. The spearhead activity is currently CMG programming or sms technology. Clients
include NedCar, DSM, Essent, WML, OU, Océ, DHL, ABP, USZO and Libertel. CMG also provides
salary administration for about 1.2 million people in the Netherlands.
http://www.kamerkrantzuidlimburg.com
LEISURE
THE PRINCE BISHOP
[LEI: Liège,
September 15]
There is an exhibition devoted to François-Charles de Velbruck, Prince Bishop of Liège
from 1772-1784, much of whose correspondence is extant at the Musée d'Ansembourg,
en Féronstrée 114, Liège running through October 8.
http://www.ulg.ac.be/agenda
EUREVIEW IS OUT
[LEI: Maastricht, September 15]
The new Eureview, an excellent student guide for the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion, has
recently been published. The booklet covers activities in Aachen, Hasselt, Liège and Maastricht, in the areas of campus
activity, sport, culture, leisure time, information on the media and miscellaneous,
including where to sleep when not at home.
http://www.eureview.com
ASTERIX EXTENDED
[LEI: Tongres, September 11]
The Asterix exhibition 'Asterix
and Europe' at the Gallo-Roman museum in Tongres was expected to draw 60,000 visitors. It
has already attracted 80,000. It had been intended to close the show on September 16, but
because of public demand it has been extended to January 6, 2002 at the Gallo-Roman
museum, Kielenstraat 15, Tongres. Opening times Mondays from 12.00 -17.00 hrs, Tuesdays
from Fridays 09.00 - 17.00 hrs and at the weekends 10.00 - 18.00 hrs.
http://www.aachener-zeitung.de
PRETTY VILLAGE
[LEI: Ouren, September 11]
The village of Ouren near Burg Reuland in East Belgium is awaiting the visit of an
international jury who are going to decide whether it is the most beautiful village in
Europe in respect of its floral and garden decorations. Take a look at the pictures on the
web
http://www.eastbelgium.com/reuland-ouren/deutsch/blumenwett.html
1,500 SHARPSHOOTERS IN MONTZEN
[LEI: Montzen, September 11]
A strong tradition of target shooting and folklore among the local militia throughout
Meuse-Rhine culminated recently with a major get together at Montzen. 1,500 sharpshooters
from 75 militia units in three countries got together on September 9. Flags and drums and
kings and queens, a good time was had by all and everyone got prizes. You can see the
results at
http://www.lameuse.be/public/pages/wc401.htm
MUSIC IN CHURCH
[LEI: Liège, September 15]
There will be a performance of the Motets pour la chapelle du Roy on September 23
at the Eglise St.Jacques, place St.Jacques in Liège starting at 16.00 hrs which gives you
an opportunity to see the church.
UNDERGROUND LIEGE
[LEI: Liège, September 5]
The Archéoforum, an archeological site, uncovering the foundations of the great Cathedral
of St Lambert, which once stood at Place St Lambert and was pulled down in the aftermath
of the French Revolution, will be open to the public in the first part of 2002. 30,000
Visitors are expected each year. The site gives access to more than 9,000 years of
history.
http://www.lalibre.be
SABINE HARBORTH
[LEI: Thimister, September]
There will be an exhibition of the sculptures of Sabine Harborth at the Galerie Clermont,
Place de la Halle 37, Thimister-Clermont from September 8 until September 30 from 14.00 -
18.00 hrs.
http://www.galerie-clermont.com/sabine.harborth
WALKS IN LIEGE
[LEI: Liège, September]
Liège's walks in October will be in Outremeuse on October 7 leaving at 14.00 hrs from the
tourist office, Féronstrée 92 and on Sunday October 21, the historic heart of the city
also departing from the tourist office. You should reserve your place at
00.32.4.221.92.21.
http://www.liege.be
TALLIS SCHOLARS IN MAASTRICHT
[LEI: Maastricht, September]
On Sunday September 23 at 20.30 in the O.L.Basilica the Tallis scholars, one of the
world's most famous coral ensembles, will conclude the Musica Sacra festival with a
program which includes 'Sacra Lectiones ex propheta Job' from Lassus, the greatest
composer of the second half of the 16th century. There will also be the motets 'Quomodo
cantabimus', 'Plorans ploravit' and Tribulationes civitatum' by Byrd, the English master
of the late Renaissance. The ensemble is led by Peter Phillips.
On
Friday September 28 at 20.15 hrs at the Theater aan het Vrijthof there will be a concert
by the Limburg Symphony Orchestra with Quirine Viersen, cello soloist. The concert will
include Symphony no. 22 by Haydn, the Elgar cello concerto op.85 and Symphony no.1 op.39
by Sibelius.
http://www.vvvmaastricht.nl
LILI DUJOURIE
[LEI: Eupen, September]
There will be an exhibition of the works of Lili Dujourie from September 9 through October
21 at the Internationales Kunstzentrum Ostbelgien, In den Loten 3, Eupen.
http://www.eastbelgium.com
LUIS PABLO GOMEZ VIDALES
[LEI: Aachen, September]
The Spanish artist from Toledo relates music and painting in his exhibition. Visual
effects provided by music, while you watch. Ludwig Forum September 16 through October 14.
http://www.heimat.de/ludwigforum
AN EXHIBITION IN GULPEN
[LEI: Gulpen, September]
There will be an exhibition of Dutch Masters from the 19th and the beginning of the 20th
century starting on Saturday September 15 running to September 23 at the Pyramid in
Gulpen. Information from the site
http://www.rococo.nl
EURIARTES
[LEI: Voerendaal, June]
EuriArtes is an interesting new magazine published in German and Dutch and devoted to the
'Charlemagne Euroregion', an excellent name for this region. An issue in my possession is
devoted to politics and culture, with the heading 'Politeia' perhaps translated as
'republic or state' in English - recalling Plato.
Not linked, but try this one.
http://www.politeia.net |