A Flight Toward Sovereignty: The Noble Night 2026 Above the Rooftops of West Berlin
On October 9, 2026, approximately 120 guests from the diplomatic, political, and business communities, as well as the press, gathered at Berlin’s Pan Am Lounge for the second Noble Night. High above the rooftops of West Berlin, the discussion centered on a crucial question for Europe’s future: How can we achieve greater autonomy in our raw material supply?
A place that tells the story of a new beginning
The Pan Am Lounge in Berlin combines the spirit of an era of new beginnings with the issues of the present. In its historic setting, the era when flight crews, politicians, and prominent figures from society and the arts gathered here to foster international connections remains alive. After Pan Am ceased operations in 1991, the lounge fell into a long slumber until it was revived in 2005. At the Noble Night event, this story became a symbol of a challenge facing us today: Germany and Europe, too, must wake up to the reality of their raw material supply and leave behind the long-held certainty that they can buy anything on the world market at any time.
Our success is a reflection of the crisis
Andreas Pietsch welcomed the guests and whetted their appetites for the buffet. But before it was time for that, things turned serious once again with Andreas Kroll’s speech. He spoke candidly about what has driven Noble Elements’ rise: Since China began putting pressure on raw material supply chains, the importance of reliable alternatives has grown. The company’s success thus also reflects the crisis Europe is currently facing.
For too long, we have relied on being able to purchase the metals we need at any time on the global market. Today, access to these metals helps determine where supercomputers are developed, robots are built, and new technologies take their first steps. Those who remain dependent on commodities also lose leeway in shaping their future. Kroll’s message: Our pace will determine our freedom.
Europe must make the most of its opportunities
A news report from the same day highlighted just how timely this call is: The European Commission selected 46 additional strategic raw materials projects in 16 member states, including eight in Germany. These projects range from lithium extraction to the recycling of batteries and permanent magnets.
But recognition alone does not yield metals. According to the Commission, of the projects from the first selection round, 25 had completed their environmental impact assessments and 17 had received building permits. Projects must become facilities, and political intentions must translate into a reliable supply.
This aligns with Kroll’s call for a European Ministry of Defense. He saw its primary task as securing the material foundation of Europe’s capacity to act: commodities. The new projects demonstrate just how timely this call is. The key question remains: how quickly will this translate into a reliable supply?
Strong Partners for Greater Autonomy
The evening’s direct exchanges demonstrated how such partnerships can emerge. Guests from the diplomatic, political, and industrial sectors—including representatives from Brazil and Mexico—engaged in conversation, met new contacts, and forged connections. The focus was on a shared goal: establishing reliable supply chains for raw materials and reducing dependence on individual supplier countries. The Noble Night provided a space to explore potential collaborations and initiate discussions that can continue beyond the event.
An Evening of Surprising Voices
Despite the serious tone, the evening also offered some musical surprises. Our singing accountant, Alexis Nowor, showed that his talents extend far beyond numbers. Opera singer Bettina Jensen rose from the audience—seemingly by chance—and suddenly transformed the lounge into a stage.
Together, we can make a difference
The Noble Night brought together people who are not content with the status quo. They think ahead, take responsibility, and want to actively shape change. The closing thought from Andreas Kroll’s speech was also directed at them: What matters most are the people who accompany us on our journey.
Resource sovereignty cannot be achieved alone. It grows where encounters foster trust and conversations lead to shared initiatives.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guests for this special evening: for the open dialogue, the valuable insights, and the commitment that was palpable at every table. We look forward to continuing the conversations we’ve started and taking the next steps together with you.
The future is in our hands.