International Cooperation

Cross-Border Dialogue on Liberal Values

In a time of growing geopolitical tension and polarization, a delegation of Israeli liberal politicians embarked on a week-long journey to Brussels and Berlin to deepen dialogue with European allies, reinforce shared democratic values, and explore opportunities for cooperation across the liberal political family. The delegation, composed of Members of Knesset and policy advisors from Yesh Atid, engaged in high-level meetings with EU and NATO officials, members of the European Parliament, and liberal thought leaders.

Setting the Stage in Brussels

The delegation’s journey began with a strategic briefing at the Israeli Mission to the EU and NATO, where participants gained valuable insights into the evolving political dynamics in Europe and the complex role of Israeli diplomacy within the transatlantic framework.

Later that evening, the group met with Moritz Körner, Member of the European Parliament (FDP), for a candid conversation focused on the pressing challenges facing liberal democracies today. A key theme of the exchange was the rise of antisemitism in Europe and the urgent need for a united liberal front in combatting it. Körner’s sincerity and commitment left a lasting impression on the delegation.

Deepening Connections with European Liberals

The second day in Brussels was dedicated to expanding ties within the liberal European community. A morning meeting with MEP Svenja Hahn, President of the ALDE Party, explored the role of liberal leadership in addressing democratic backsliding and societal polarization.

This was followed by a lunch discussion with MEPs Hilde Vautmans, Bernard Guetta, and Dan Barna from the Renew Europe group. Topics ranged from regional cooperation and the resilience of democratic institutions to differing public perceptions of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine among European and Israeli societies.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the ALDE Party Headquarters, where MEP Dan Barna and Didrik de Schaetzen, Secretary General of the ALDE Party, led a focused session on liberal strategies in foreign policy, security, and EU-Israel relations.

The group then headed to a timely exchange with Giovanni Romani, Head of the MENA Political Affairs and Security Division. Discussions centered on NATO’s role in the Middle East, its structural limitations due to consensus-based decision-making, and the implications for regional stability.

The day concluded with a networking event – Liberal Afterwork – where MKs Michal Shir, Shelly Tal Meron, and Yorai Lahav-Hertzanu addressed an international audience, sharing Israeli perspectives on strengthening EU-Israel partnerships amid growing global volatility.

Building Bridges Through Shared Values

On the third and final day in Brussels, the delegation met with MEP Hildegard Bentele, Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Israel. The conversation shed light on the dedicated behind-the-scenes work of allies in Brussels and offered a glimpse into political developments in Germany and their potential implications for Israeli-European relations.

Later, the delegation held a strategic meeting with the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Benedetta Buttiglione led a focused dialogue on advancing transatlantic liberal values and strengthening cooperation. Plans for future collaboration emerged, alongside an examination of the AJC’s unique potential to serve as a bridge with the incoming U.S. administration.

That evening, upon arrival in Berlin, the delegation gathered for an intimate dinner with journalist and chief editor of “Die Welt”, Daniel-Dylan Böhmer, who provided a nuanced overview of Germany’s evolving political landscape and the implications of the new coalition agreement. Böhmer also spoke personally about his experiences as a German Jew and the alarming rise in antisemitism following the October 7 attacks—adding a poignant and urgent layer to the delegation’s mission.

Berlin – Reflections, Resilience, and Renewal

The delegation’s final day in Berlin featured a series of high-level meetings focused on German-Israeli relations, regional security, and the resilience of liberal democracy in Europe.

A thoughtful exchange with Judit Goldstein, Deputy Head of the MENA Section at the German Foreign Ministry, centered on prospects for peace in the Middle East and the importance of sustained bilateral cooperation.

In a powerful session with Ahmad Mansour, Israeli-Palestinian psychologist and leading voice on deradicalization in Europe, the delegation explored how migration debates and social tensions have shaped Germany’s political landscape—particularly the rise of the far-right AfD.

Later, discussions with the leadership of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) – including Prof. Karl-Heinz Paqué and René Klaff – and representatives of Liberal International addressed the broader threats to liberalism across Europe and the challenges facing Germany’s FDP party in its path toward political renewal.

The delegation also explored how global instability and shifting geopolitical fault lines affect the strategic orientation of internationally operating liberal organizations like FNF.

A Speech for Freedom

The visit culminated with one of FNF’s  most powerful traditions – FNF’s annual “Speech for Freedom”, held at the Allianz Forum beside the Brandenburg Gate. This year’s speech was delivered by Oleksii Makeiev, Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany. Addressing a full house, Ambassador Makeiev spoke with passion and clarity about the fight for freedom and the values that unite liberal democracies in the face of authoritarian aggression.

His unwavering commitment to liberal principles and his hope for peace deeply resonated with the Israeli guests.