Alianta 2023 Summit
2023-11-30 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | The Willard Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, United States
Alianta 2023 Summit Panels
Thursday November 30th, 2023
THE BALLROOM
at the WIllard Hotel

Full schedule and agenda to follow.

Alianta Conversation with Endeavor Romania Managing Director Mihnea Craciun
2024-04-11 11:00 - 12:00 | DC
Alianta is thrilled to extend an invitation to you for a unique and insightful event: Alianta Conversation with Endeavor Romania Managing Director Mihnea Craciun, interviewed by John Florescu. This special gathering is part of our ongoing collaboration with Endeavor Romania, aimed at fostering connections and supporting high-impact entrepreneurship within the Romanian community, especially in the tech sector.

This event is complimentary however, an RSVP is required to secure your participation.

During the Conversation you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to delve into the experiences and insights of Mihnea Craciun, a prominent figure in Romanian entrepreneurship, and learn more about the transformative work being done through Endeavor Romania. Endeavor’s mission is to mentor and accelerate high-impact entrepreneurs globally, and their work in Romania is pivotal for local startups aiming to expand their reach, particularly into the U.S. market.

Why Attend?

Engage: Participate in a thought-provoking discussion led by John Florescu, gaining direct insights into the challenges and successes faced by leading entrepreneurs.Connect: Network with representatives from Endeavor Romania and like-minded members of Alianta passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation.Contribute: Learn how you can play a significant role in supporting Romanian startups through Endeavor’s mentorship network, contributing to their growth and international success.Endeavor’s global community spans nearly 40 countries, comprising over 5,000 mentors and supporting more than 2,000 entrepreneurs. By joining us for this conversation, you’ll be stepping into a world of innovation and impact, where your expertise can help shape the future of Romanian entrepreneurship.

Interested in becoming an Endeavor mentor or looking for more details? Contact us directly, and let’s explore how we can strengthen the entrepreneurial bridge between the U.S. and Romania together.

Don’t miss out on this exceptional event. RSVP today and be a part of the conversation that could define the next steps for Romanian entrepreneurship on the global stage.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Warm regards,

The Alianta Team

Alianta Conversation - Ambassador Simona Miculescu
2024-08-13 11:00 - 12:00 | DC
We are thrilled to invite you to an inspiring Alianta Conversation with Romanian Ambassador to UNESCO Simona Miculescu on August 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.

This event, moderated by the esteemed John Florescu, will be an exceptional opportunity to engage with one of Romania’s most distinguished diplomats.

About our guest

Amb. Miculescu’s more than 33 years of diplomatic career include the positions of Spokesperson for the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Senior Media Advisor to the Minister (1993 and 1999), Director of the Press Department within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1994 and 2008), Press Secretary of the Embassy of Romania to the US (1994-1998), or Senior Public Information Officer at the Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Kosovo (1999-2000).

Between 2000 and 2004, she served as Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of Romania (with rank of minister), becoming eventually the first woman in the Romanian history to be granted the diplomatic rank of Ambassador.

Between 2006 and 2007, she acted as Senior Advisor for Public Outreach to the Government of Iraq, within a USAID-funded project.

Amb. Miculescu holds the titles of Doctor Honoris Causa Beneficiorum Publicorum of the Western University in Timișoara, as well as the title of Doctor Magna Cum Laudae of the Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. This is due to the fact that, in parallel with her diplomatic career, she has developed a rich academic and public communication experience, that includes teaching international public relations courses at two universities in Romania, as well as publishing several books and articles on related topics. In her country, she is recognized also as one of the best experts in the field of international public relations management, being appreciated especially due to the elaboration of the first university curriculum on this subject, a study program currently used by several universities.

About Alianta Conversations

Past Alianta Conversations have featured influential leaders like General Wesley Clark, deputy NATO General Secretary Mircea Geoana, US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, Ambassador Peter Galbraith, and Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec.

The Conversation interviews are known for their engaging, thought-provoking quality and the upcoming date with Ambassador Miculescu promises to be no exception.

Alianta Conversations: A Close Look at Romania's Presidential and Parliamentary Elections
2024-11-04 10:00 - 11:00 | DC
Join us for an insightful discussion with former BBC and AP journalist Alison Mutler, moderated by John Florescu, as we explore the upcoming Romanian Presidential and Parliamentary elections. This live virtual event will break down the candidates, the issues at stake, and what these elections mean for Romania’s future. Whether you’re interested in Romanian politics, international affairs, or just curious about global elections, this conversation is for you.

About Former BBC and AP Journalist Alison Mutler

Alison Mutler is a British journalist with more than 30 years of experience. She was the chief correspondent for The Associated Press, reporting on Romania, Moldova and occasionally Bulgaria for 25 years. She worked with journalists prior to 1989 reporting on the abuses committed by Nicolae Ceausescu and was part of a team that covered the 1989 revolution for the British broadcaster ITN. After the fall of communism, she moved to Romania, initially working as a freelancer for the Daily Telegraph, BBC and UPI. She is the director of the bilingual site Universul.net and also occasionally writes for Radio Free Europe, Times Radio and others.

About Media Executive John Florescu

John M. Florescu, Alianta Board Member and head of its Programming is host of the Conversations Series. He has produced interviews with numerous Presidents and Prime Ministers in the US, Europe, UK., Asia, and Africa.

With more than 25 years in television, Mr Florescu’s productions have run on most US and UK networks as well as across Europe.

A Conversation with Ambassador Adrian Zuckerman
2025-03-18 11:00 - 12:00 | DC
We are honored to welcome Ambassador Adrian Zuckerman as our distinguished guest for the next Alianta Conversation on March 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern European Time (EET) / 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Appointed by President Donald Trump, Ambassador Zuckerman has spent years shaping U.S.-Romania relations, bringing a depth of knowledge and firsthand experience that few can match. His extensive work in Romania offers a rare and invaluable perspective on the country’s evolving role in transatlantic affairs.

In an exclusive discussion with John Florescu, Ambassador Zuckerman will share his unique insights on U.S.-Romania cooperation, regional security, and the future of diplomatic and economic ties.

Join us for this timely and thought-provoking conversation.

Romania Decides: A Live Conversation with Lucian Mîndruță and John Florescu
2025-05-16 09:00 - 09:30 | DC
Join Alianta on Friday, May 16 at 9:00 AM ET / 4:00 PM Bucharest, for a live-streamed conversation between Romanian journalist Lucian Mîndruță and political analyst John Florescu as they unpack the critical second round of Romania’s presidential elections.

This candid, real-time discussion will explore:

Who the final two candidates are and what they represent

Media coverage, misinformation, and voter behavior

What’s at stake for Romania’s democratic path and global alliances

Date: Friday, May 16, 2025Time: 9:00 AM ET / 4:00 PM Bucharest

A Conversation with Ambassador Mark Gitenstein
2025-06-17 10:00 - 11:00 | DC
Foreign Affairs magazine recently questioned readers with a cover story entitled “The Center Will Not Hold: How an Order Ends”. With so much discussion in the air, “Alianta Conversations with John Florescu” turns to Mark Gitensetin, former US Ambassador to the EU and, previously, US Ambassador to Romania.

With more than 100 days of a Trump Administration behind us, the informal and wide-ranging discussion will focus on the impact of the new Administration in Europe.

Is Europe on its own?

Left on its own, will Europe stand by America or navigate its own course under a German, British and French flags?

Did the recent election of Romanian president Nicusor Dan mark an unexpected slow down of a right-wing wave across Europe?

With his long experience on Capitol Hill, deep familiarity with the Biden Administration and as America’s top diplomat in Brussels, Ambassador Gitenstein is our man of the hour.

We invite you to join us on Tuesday, June 17 for a special Alianta Conversation with Ambassador Mark Gitenstein, a trusted voice in transatlantic affairs and longtime champion of democratic values.

This informal, wide-ranging discussion will explore timely issues shaping the U.S.–Romania relationship, European stability, and the broader international landscape.

Whether it’s diplomacy, democracy, or the dynamics of a changing world, Ambassador Gitenstein brings deep insight and real-world perspective from his service as U.S. Ambassador to both Romania and the European Union.

Together with the Republic of Moldova: The Alliance for Truth and Freedom
2025-08-18 09:00 - 13:00 | DC
Watch Live

In the face of the increasingly aggressive wave of disinformation, hybrid warfare, and Russian-inspired ideological infiltration, we need a firm and values-based response from those who believe in freedom, sovereignty, democracy, and the Euro-Atlantic alliance.

Join us Monday, August 18, at 4:00 PM RO time for the LIVE broadcast from Bucharest:Alianta Conference – “Together with the Republic of Moldova: The Alliance for Truth and Freedom.”

Program

16:00 – 16:30 | Official OpeningAdrian Zuckerman – AliantaMarius Bostan – RePatriotGen. Constantin Mihalache – Black Sea Strategies

16:30 – 17:30 | Conflict Between Freedom of Speech and PropagandaThe difference between authentic values and pro-Russian populism; the instrumentalization of conservative discourseModerator: Cristina CileacuSpeakers: Georgette Mosbacher, Mark Gitenstein, Sever Voinescu, Corneliu BjolaGuiding Questions:

How can we defend freedom of expression without offering unlimited space to hostile propaganda, especially in the context of global social networks?

What mechanisms can help citizens distinguish between authentic values and pro-Russian populist discourse masked in moral rhetoric?

17:30 – 18:30 | Republic of Moldova: The Frontier of DemocracyThe current geopolitical situation; hybrid attacks on the pro-European government; civic engagement and the diasporaModerator: Ana Maria RomanSpeakers: Len Khodorkovski, Anneli Ute Gabanyi, Ion M. Ioniță, Angela Grămadă, Cosmin PopaGuiding Questions:

What are the most dangerous hybrid tactics Russia is currently using to weaken Moldova’s pro-European government?

How can the Moldovan diaspora become a real factor in democratic protection and in countering disinformation?

18:30 – 19:30 | NATO, USA, and Romania – Guarantees of FreedomStrategic cooperation on the Eastern flank; the role of military and diplomatic leaders; strengthening informational resilienceModerator: Sabin OrcanSpeakers: James Stewart Gilmore, Alina Polyakova, Anatol Șalaru, Andrei Caramitru, Cătălin MihalacheGuiding Questions:

What strategic lessons from the Eastern flank can be replicated to strengthen Moldova’s democratic resilience?

How can cooperation between NATO, the USA, and Romania be consolidated not only militarily, but also in the field of informational resilience?

19:30 – 20:00 | ConclusionsInternational alliances of ideas; engagement in defending Western values; joint conference declarationAdrian Zuckerman, Marius Bostan

The conference is organized with the support of RePatriot – Romanian Business Leaders.

Alianta 11th Annual Gala & Summit
2025-12-11 17:30 - 2025-12-12 14:00 | The Willard Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, United States
Join us for the Alianta Gala 2025, an annual celebration of the enduring bond between the United States and Romania. Each year, Alianta brings together leaders from government, business, academia, and the Romanian-American community to honor those who have strengthened this vital transatlantic partnership.

Held at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., the Gala is a signature moment for the Alianta community—an evening of recognition, connection, and shared vision for the future of U.S.–Romanian relations.

Day 1: Alianta Gala

Location: The Willard Grand Ballroom & Lounge

5:30 PM – Guest Check-In & Cocktails Kick off the evening with a cocktail reception in the beautiful Willard Grand Ballroom Lounge, where guests can mingle and connect in a relaxed setting.

7:00 PM – Gala Awards and Dinner Program The main event begins, honoring outstanding contributions and celebrating Romanian-American alliance and achievements with a dinner program and awards presentation.

11:00 PM – After-Party Conclude the evening on a high note with an after-party back in the Willard Grand Ballroom Lounge

Day 2: Alianta Summit

Location: The Willard Room

9:30 AM: Economy, energy and finance Exploring opportunities for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth between the U.S. and Romania.

11:00 AM: Defense panel Examining shared security priorities, strategic cooperation, and the evolving role of NATO in the region.

1:30 PM: Black Sea and Regional Security Panel Assessing challenges and partnerships shaping the future of regional stability and transatlantic resilience.
