Security organization ELNET introduces new security policy agenda
In a significant move to strengthen the strategic partnership between Germany and Israel, the European Leadership Network (ELNET) unveiled its new Security & Defense Initiative (ESDI) at a keynote event in Hamburg. The initiative, announced in July 2025, aims to deepen dialogue and cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of air defense, digitalization, and artificial intelligence.
The event, held at the Hamburg Representation, was attended by approximately 70 guests, including individuals from politics, academia, industry, and the military. Hamburg's First Mayor, Peter Tschentscher, opened the evening with a welcoming address, while General Carsten Breuer, Inspector General of the German Armed Forces, delivered a keynote speech. Thomas Röwekamp MP, Chairman of the Defense Committee in the German Bundestag, also spoke at the event.
ELNET CEO Carsten Ovens moderated a panel discussion featuring Carlo Masala and General (ret.) Amikam Norkin, former Chief of Staff of the IDF. The discussion focused on fostering cooperation in key areas such as cybersecurity, space technology, and AI. The ESDI initiative seeks to connect stakeholders in Germany and Israel and broaden public discourse within Germany about security policy, with Israel presented as a role model not only for its technological prowess but also for its societal and national resilience.
The launch of ESDI comes at a time of broader German-Israeli security cooperation. Notably, the "Cyber Dome" initiative, a five-point plan focused on cyber defense, joint cybersecurity research, and reciprocal intelligence sharing, is already underway. Both countries have increased collaboration on advanced defense technologies and are now focused on addressing emerging threats in cyberspace and technological innovation.
ESDI represents a significant step in institutionalizing and expanding German-Israeli cooperation on security and defense. The initiative aims to strengthen security and defense policy exchange between Germany and Israel, promote unlocking joint innovation potential, and establish a long-term, institutionalized partnership between the two nations. However, the ESDI initiative does not disclose any new partnerships or collaborations, nor does it mention any funding or resources allocated for its execution.
The ESDI initiative complements ELNET's existing programs like the annual Germany Israel Strategic Dialogue. Despite not specifying any new events or locations, the initiative seeks to connect stakeholders in Germany and Israel and foster a more intensive, structured dialogue between German and Israeli leaders across politics, the military, science, and industry. The initiative also complements the German Israeli Health Forum for Artificial Intelligence (GIHF-AI).
As the global security landscape evolves, the ESDI initiative reflects a shared understanding between Germany and Israel of the need for resilient, future-oriented partnerships. The initiative does not reveal any timeline for its implementation or progress, but it undoubtedly marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral security ties between the two nations.
- The panel discussion, moderated by ELNET CEO Carsten Ovens, delved into the importance of fostering cooperation in the areas of cybersecurity, space technology, and AI, which are key aspects of the rapidly advancing field of technology.
- Beyond the ESDI initiative, Germany and Israel are already collaborating closely on the "Cyber Dome" initiative, a five-point plan centered on cyber defense, joint cybersecurity research, and reciprocal intelligence sharing.
- In the realm of science and space-and-astronomy, the ESDI initiative is expected to contribute to a more intensive dialogue between German and Israeli leaders, potentially leading to breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe and the development of cutting-edge technology.
