European-Israeli Dialogue

European-Israeli Dialogue

List of events

11th Dialogue

The eleventh European-Israeli Dialogue 'was held on 7 April 2011 with the participation of 45 European and Israeli politicians, journalists and business representatives. Israel and Germany were represented by their foreign ministers Avigdor Lieberman and Guido Westerwelle. Axel Springer AG and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue were the initiators and hosts of the Dialogue.'

The discussion was marked by the current upheavals in the Middle East, the role of Islam as well as possible improvements in the political and economic relations between Europe and Israel. “In light of the current developments in the Middle East, a common European-Israeli exchange of ideas is more important than ever. Ultimately, both regions have common economic, foreign and security policy interests,” explained Mathias Döpfner, Chief Executive Officer of Axel Springer AG. Lord Weidenfeld, president of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, added: “At present, we do not yet know how the Middle East will develop in the long-term. A joint European-Israeli approach can strengthen the fledgling democracy movements in the region, thus contributing to stability.”

Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said: “Modern Europe is an important partner for the State of Israel in the areas of trade, science and culture. Germany and Israel have a special relationship which has grown from the terrible backdrop of the Shoah. Today we are allies and we share a deep friendship.” Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor Guido Westerwelle said: “The friendship and close partnership with Israel is and remains a fundamental constant of German foreign policy. The development of this partnership is a labor of love for me. Forums such as the European Israeli Dialogue give life to our friendship.” Other participants of the European-Israeli Dialogue included Hamed Abdel-Samad (Egyptian author), John Elkann (Chairman of the Supervisory Board Fiat Auto), Hans-Peter Friedrich (Federal Minister of the Interior), Philipp Rösler (Federal Minister of Health) and Natan Sharansky (former Deputy Israeli Prime Minister and human rights activist).