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).

13th Dialogue

The thirteenth European-Israeli Dialogue was held on 11 September 2012 'at the invitation of Axel Springer AG and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. The Israeli Energy and Water Minister Uzi Landau and the German Defence Minister Thomas de Maizière are expected to be among the more than 80 guests in the Axel Springer Building in Berlin. During the exchange of views, discussions will be held on a common security policy and increased European-Israeli cooperation on the questions of energy and water.'

“Access to energy and water carries a greater potential for conflict in the Middle East in future. Through the European-Israeli Dialogue, we want to contribute towards a constructive and critical dialogue concerning these two questions,” says Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer AG. Lord Weidenfeld, President of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue: “The focus of public attention is still rather on the conflicts in Iran and Syria, the situation in Egypt or the democratic movements in the Middle East. The long-term significance of the access to energy and water in terms of security however should not be underestimated.” The Israeli Energy and Water Minister Uzi Landau: “Energy security is part of the overall national security. It is only natural that Israel and its partners in Europe who share the same values will aspire to join efforts and means in their energy relations.” The German Defence Minister Thomas de Maizière: “The developments in North Africa and the Middle East represent the major challenges for all European nations. Our own European bloody history teaches us two things. Firstly: The peace process is a lengthy process. Secondly: Trust must be gained pragmatically.”

Other speakers at the European-Israeli Dialogue include Alexander Vershbow, NATO Deputy Secretary General, Lord Guthrie, the former Chief of the British Defence Staff, Ana Palacio, the former Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amos Yadlin, the former head of the Israeli Defence Forces Military Intelligence Directorate as well as Shlomo Avineri of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.