As we close out 2025, Alianta is proud to host two flagship events that underscore our mission to strengthen the strategic, economic, and cultural relationship between the United States and Romania.
Taking place at the historic Willard InterContinental in Washington, D.C., the Alianta Gala and the U.S.–Romania Summit will bring together distinguished leaders, diplomats, innovators, and members of our transatlantic community for an evening of celebration and a full day of high-level dialogue.
Alianta Gala – December 11, 2025
An Evening of Recognition, Diplomacy, and Community
Location: Willard InterContinental, Washington, D.C. - Grand Ballroom
Schedule:
5:30 PM – Cocktail Hour
The evening begins with registration and a networking reception for guests and honorees.
6:30 PM – Welcome Remarks
Alianta Chair, Ambassador (Ret.) Adrian Zuckerman, will open the evening with remarks on the progress and promise of the U.S.–Romania relationship.
7:00 PM – Keynote Speeches
Keynotes will be delivered by:
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His Excellency Andrei Muraru, Romanian Ambassador to the United States
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Ambassador (Ret.) Mark Gittenstein, former U.S. Ambassador to Romania and to the European Union
8:00 PM – Awards Ceremony
Outstanding leaders and contributors to the U.S.–Romania partnership will be honored. Awards will be presented by:
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Ambassador (Ret.) Kathleen Kavalec
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Ambassador (Ret.) Jim Rosapepe
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George Roth
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Ambassador (Ret.) Adrian Zuckerman
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Ambassador (Ret.) Mark Gittenstein
Keynote by Catalin Predoiu
9:30 PM – Closing Remarks
10:00 PM – After Party: Live Music & Networking
Guests are invited to stay for a festive after party in the Willard Room, featuring live jazz and continued networking.
Alianța Summit – December 12, 2025
Strategic Dialogue on Energy, Security, and Democratic Resilience
Location: Willard InterContinental, Washington, D.C. - Willard Room
Schedule:
8:30 AM – Registration & Welcome Breakfast
9:30 AM – Opening Remarks
Presented by Alianta Chair, Ambassador (Ret.) Adrian Zuckerman
9:40 AM – Panel: Romania Defense and Resilience in the Face of Russian Aggression
A strategic dialogue on military partnerships, deterrence, and security cooperation.
Moderator: Mihai Gâdea
Panelists:
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Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Catalin Mihalache
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State Secretary MoD Sorin Moldovan
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Hon. Chris Stewart
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Maj. Gen. Borys Kremenentskyi, Defense Attaché, Ukraine
10:50 AM – Panel: Black Sea Regional Resilience: Building Trust and Countering Disinformation
A timely conversation on transatlantic cooperation in communication strategies, hybrid threats, and public trust.
Moderator: James Carafano
Panelists:
- Ion Țiriac
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Pavel Popescu
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Hon. Catalin Predoiu
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Marius Bostan
12:00 PM - Panel: Energy Sufficiency and Development in the Age of AI
This panel explores critical infrastructure, energy security, industrial innovation, and U.S.–Romania investment opportunities.
Moderator: John Florescu
Panelists:
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Mark Beacom
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Ted Garrish
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Radu Piturlea
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Mario Loyola
1:00 PM – Coffee Break and Lunch
1:30 PM – Keynote Speaker
The day concludes with remarks from the Honorable Robert Wilkie, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, offering insights on transatlantic security and resilience.
Alianta is honored to convene this exceptional gathering of voices and perspectives committed to advancing the U.S.–Romania partnership. We invite you to join us for two days of celebration, insight, and community.
For tickets, registration, and event details, please visit www.alianta.org/gala-2025
