Germany, Israel, Europe – Special Relations and the Middle East in Turmoil

The year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Germany and Israel. Prime Minister David Ben Gurion and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer laid the foundation for the development of intense political, economic and security relations. Among Israelis, Germany is today the most popular European nation. But the relationship isn’t without tensions: While Berlin considers Israel’s security a pillar of Germany’s national interest, there are disagreements over Iran and the stagnation of the peace process. Anti-Israeli and even anti-Semitic sentiments are spreading from the fringes of German society.

At the same time, the Middle East is on fire as chaos and anarchy are on the rise. Although the US and Russia claim to be in agreement in fighting ISIS, Russia’s military targets cause concerns and both superpowers are not able to build a strategic coalition. The involvement of both, Russia and Iran, further raises the stakes in this conflict. The brutality of ISIS has shocked the world and Assad’s bombing campaign has done its part to bring the Syrian refugee crisis to Europe.

The 9th of November marks a difficult day in German- Jewish Relations – the pogroms of 1938. On this historic date and on the occasion of 50 years of German-Israeli relations, we have the pleasure of inviting you to an expert discussion on Germany, Israel an expert discussion on Germany, Israel and the EU within the context of a Middle East in turmoil. 

OPENING AND WELCOMING

Markus FERBER, MEP

Vice Chairman, Hanns Seidel Foundation; First Vice Chair, Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the EP

Dr Michael BORCHARD

Director Israel Office, Konrad Adenauer Foundation

KEY NOTE SPEECH

Prof Dr. Michael STÜRMER

Chief Correspondent Die Welt, Director, SWP 1988-1998

PANEL DEBATE

Elmar BROK, MEP

Chair, Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament

Dr Einat WILF

Adjunct Fellow, Washington Institute for Near East Policy; former Knesset Member

Prof Dr Michael STÜRMER Markus FERBER, MEP

MODERATOR

Daniel SCHWAMMENTHAL

Director, AJC Transatlantic Institute Brussels