Alianţa
Alianta is a national non-profit created to strengthen the cultural, economic, and security ties bet
Legislation recommending Romania's inclusion in the Visa Waiver program, on US Senate’s agenda
www.romania-insider.com
US Senate majority whip Richard Durbin and US senator Jeanne Shaheen, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, introduced legislation recommendin...
Past News
General US, US Air Force Leader in Europe: Our presence in Romania will continue to grow
Alianța Names New Executive Director
Reflecting its growth, Alianța, the four-year old Washington D.C. based organization of Americans and Romanians working for strong ties between the two countries, is pleased to announce Bill Avery as full-time Executive Director. Mr. Avery is a well-known figure in American and Romanian business circles, has lived and worked in Romania, and is the founder of the English-language media company, Business Review, published since 1998.
March 2018
"The making of United Romania"
The centenary of the creation of "United Romania' subsequent to WW-I, is celebrated with detail3d accounts on a new website created by the Romanian Institute of Culture (London). Site
March 14, 2018
Ex-President Iliescu on Trial for Crimes Against Humanity
The trial targeting the violent crackdown of the protests in Bucharest’s University Square in June 13-15, 1990 started today, February 20, with former president Ion Iliescu and former prime minister Petre Roman being among the defendants. Article
February 21, 2018
Hnry Cnsl Sfedu's Daughter & Tesla Roadster in Solar Orbit
Starman in Tesla Roadster in Solar Orbit. Engraved on a plaque are the names of the SpaceX employees who contributed to the successful launch of Falcon Heavy, including our daughter's name: Christina Sfedu
February 7, 2018
Romanian Defense Minister Asks for Permanent US Presence
Romania’s defense minister Mihai Fifor would like to have a permanent U.S. military presence "as in Poland." Romanian Insider
February 6, 2018
Romanian team wins second place at NASA programming contest
"A team of four students from the Banatean National College in Timisoara, Western Romania, won the second place at the Zero Robotics International Space Station (ISS) programming challenge, organized by NASA and MIT." Romanian Insider
January 16, 2018
1918: Romania's first diplomatic representative to Washington, DC
"In January 15, 1918, Dr. Constantin Angelescu (1869-1948) presented to US President Woodrow Wilson letters of accreditation as "Extraordinary Sharing and Plenipotentiary Minister of His Majesty King Ferdinand to the Government of the United States of America in a special mission. " In other words, Constantin Angelescu becomes the first Ambassador of Romania to the US and the leader of the first official Romanian diplomatic mission on American soil. After 57 years since the establishment of the first diplomatic contacts, the first Romanian legacy in Washington could be established and thus opened a free path to bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries." Cotidianul
January 15, 2018
Abigail Rupp, deputy head of the US mission in Bucharest, at the Bucharest Law School
Romania is “an example in the region in terms of the fight against corruption” and one of the goals of the partnership between Romania and the United States is to ensure that it will not allow public institutions “to withdraw from this progress,” said Abigail Rupp, deputy head of the US mission in Bucharest, at the Bucharest Law School, at the roundtable meeting “President Wilson’s Fourteen Points Speech and the Rise of Nation States in Central and Eastern Europe”. Article NineOclock
January 8, 2018
U.S. Ambassador Hans Klemm Remarks on Proposed Judicial Laws
U.S. Ambassador Hans Klemm stated on Monday that he is watching very carefully Parliament’s debates on the judicial laws, having “very serious concerns with the initial proposal made by the Minister of Justice.” Article
November 27, 2017
Seattle Meeting with Diaspora
In Seattle, former Amb. Mark and Libby Gitenstein hosted Romanian Amb. George and Annamarie Maior. Maior met diaspora, lectured at the Univ. of Washington, visited Microsoft, amazon, and Boeing.
November 9, 2017
Dr. Daniela Rus of MIT - 2014 Alianța Awardee
Article on Dr. Daniela Rus, Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA. She is the first woman to head up the lab. She was Full Professor in the Computer Science Department at Dartmouth College before moving to MIT.
November 8, 2017
Russian Disinformation in Romania
The issue of Russian disinformation activity against Romania was discussed at a CEPA event featuring insight from Romanian Ambassador George Maior, SNSPA Rector Remus Pricopie, CEPA Fellow Corina Rebegea, and CPD Executive Director Dan Sultanescu. The event was moderated by CEPA Fellow Donald N. Jensen. More
November 2, 2017
Romanian Economy / New York Times
The two sides of the Romanian economy - rapid growth and poor infrastructure - are profiled. Article
October 18, 2017
Raytheon Patriot Deal with Romania
The Patriot missiles would be part of an integrated air defence system comprising newly acquired F-16 fighter jets as Romania is bringing its forces up to NATO standards and retiring outdated communist-era MiGs. Article
October 18, 2017
Cummins Engine to Move UK Operations
The UK diesel operations of Cummins Engine (Indiana, USA) will be relocated to Craiova. The company already employs about 600 in that city also home to Ford Motor's Romanian operations. Article
October 17, 2017
Romania must avoid association with Europe’s ‘bad boys’
Romania must uphold domestic democratic standards and the rule of law in such a way that it will not be bracketed with the “bad boys” of the ex-communist half of Europe and thereby lose influence in the EU. Article
September 18, 2017
GE Expands in Romania with Software Solutions Center
The Center moves into an elegant new office building. In Romania, GE is one of the most important producers of local oil equipment through the Lufkin factory, which is located near Ploiesti. GE also produces components for airplanes within the Unison Engine Components factory in Bucharest. It has also resumed the production of energy equipment via the Alstom General Turbo plant in Bucharest.
August 25, 2017
Joint Military Exercises Reinforce American Power In Eastern Europe
Special report by NPR on build of military presence and maneuvers in Romania. Read
July 26, 2017
Ford Motor Expands Operations
The Craiova plant will add 1700 employees to its current 2800 person workforce.
July 26, 2017
Harvard University Professor Jarding to Speak in Bucharest
Professor Steve Jarding, Harvard`s Teacher of the Year in 2016 and one of the world`s leading experts on strategic communications and public relations, will be in Bucharest, Romania for a full-day workshop (July 19) sponsored by the Rise Consortium. link
Pres. Klaus Iohannis Speaks at the 4th of July U.S. Embassy Celebration
The President of Romania spoke, in English and Romanian, at the popular and well-attended U.S. Embassy celebration in Bucharest. He made special reference (video) to the U.S. "guarantee of Romanian security" by Pres. Trump. Ambassador Klemm renarks: video
July 4, 2017
Meeting Between Pres. Iohannis and Pres. Trump, Washington, D.C.
The President of Romania and United States met on June 10th in Washington, DC. At a Rose Garden news conference [the first for a Romanian head-of-state since 1978 under Pres. Carter], President Donal Trump affirmed the United States' strong commitment to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.
June 10, 2017
Large-Scale NATO Maneuvers in Romania
"Noble Jump 2017, a large-scale NATO multinational exercise that brings together around 4,000 Romanian and foreign troops and 500 technical means, starts in Romania this week. Noble Jump 2017 is a short-term notification exercise, planned and led by the Naples Allied Joint Force, and scheduled from May 26 to June 16 on the territories of Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. The drill will test NATO’s ability to deploy its Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) and confirm its ability to implement the Readiness Action Plan of the Alliance (RAP) in Bulgaria and Romania." Article
May 31, 2017
U.S. Expands Kolganiceanu Military Base
Substantial investment is planned for the air and ground base for expanded presence by U.S. troops in Romania. Article
May 9, 2017
Harvard Business School Visit by 60 Graduate Students
A group of 60 HBS students and faculty advisor, Prof. Juan Alcacer, are in Romania starting April 27 to complete nine separate mini-case-studies of local companies. This is first official academic visit by the HBS to Romania as a part of a new 'FIELD Global Immersion' program at the business school.
April 27, 2017
Major Ford Expansion in Romania
During the Fall of 2017, Ford Motor Romania will add 1,000 workers in the Craiova plant to expand production of the new Ford EcoSport SUV. This will increase the current workforce by almost 30 per cent. Article
April 7, 2017
Vacaresti Nature Park Visited by HRH Prince Charles
During his second official visit to Romania, HRH Prince Charles visited the Vacaresti Nature Park in Bucharest. The Park is an 'affinity project' partner of Alianta. Article
March 30, 2017
American Romanian Business Council "Roadmap"
"Rule of law, transparency, efficiency is a roadmap that I presented the two Governments (Romanian and U.S.). Rule of law, transparency, efficiency is an issue that I presented the two Governments," Eric Stewart, President of the Council, is quoted as saying. The Council made five recommendation in a presentation to Prime Minister Grindeanu. Site
March 29, 2017
NATO Maneuvers Involving 30,000 Troops In July
Ambassador Hans Klemm announced that "Romania will host a large-scale military exercise in July, which will bring together some 30,000 troops from NATO member states" according to press reports. Site
March 22, 2017
European Conference at Harvard University (2017)
ALIANTA Bd Mmbr Dan Dimancescu was invited to discuss Russian influence on East Europe on a panel chaired by ex-Amb Nicholas Burns (Kennedy School of Government Faculty). The event was sponsored by the Fletcher School and four academic departments at Harvard. Site
March 4, 2017
Human Rights (and Corruption) Report in Romania
The United States Department of State released its 2016 report on Human Rights Practices (and corruption in Section 4) in Romania. "As of October 31, courts had issued 264 final convictions to 676 defendants in cases investigated by the DNA, compared with 239 final convictions against 785 defendants in the same period of 2015. Among the defendants convicted were one minister and one deputy minister, five members of parliament, 12 judges, four prosecutors, 10 mayors, six generals and one commander from the Ministry of National Defense, and 44 police officers." Report
March 2017
Over 150 U.S. Companies to Visit Romania in October
Called Trade Winds, "This is one of the biggest events of this kind Romania has seen in recent years and it is expected to strengthen the economic component of the strategic partnership between Romania and the U.S., according to the Romanian Embassy in the U.S." Article
March 2017
Romanian Against Corruption
Op-Ed in the New York Times. Article
February 10, 2017
Silicon Valley Company GoPro Opens Software Operation
Software engineering operations will be launched in Bucharest by the San Mateo, California, company GoPro. Article
Massive Demonstrations in Bucharest & Nationwide
Hundreds of thousands demonstrating for five days in Bucharest and major cities nationwide caused the Prime Minister to abolish Emergency Ordinance #13 that allowed corruption immunity to politicians.
February 5, 2017
New Romanian Government Cabinet
The make-up of the new government cabinet was announced with members assuming duties the first week of January. Details
January 5, 2017
PRESSONE: First English-Language Magazine Launched
The PressOne news site announced the publication of the first issue of its quarterly print magazine. Details
December, 2016
Amb Mark and Libby Gitenstein Attend Romanian Film Festival in Seattle, WA
The well attended third annual festival featured several current directors and their films.
November 18-20, 2016
Joint Statement on the Implementation of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century
"The relationship has never been stronger," U.S. Ambassador Hans Klemm. Romania and the United States of America first signed the Joint Declaration in 2011. Official statement
September 27, 2016
Romanian Ambassador George Maior Interview
Wide-ranging interview in PressOne.ro Read
September, 2016
U.S.-Romanian Trade and Security
Following the 'coup' events in Turkey, the U.S. is said to be moving its Romania and US to develop a joint cooperation and strong partnership in trade and security. US Ambassador and AmCham elaborate. Article
August 21, 2016
Romanian/Americans in the Headlines
Márta Károlyi team coordinator 2016 US Women’s Olympic Team gold medalists; and Dr. Razvan Geica Deputy Coach first place 2016 US team in International Math Olympiads (Hong Kong). Photos
July/August 2016
U.S. National Park Service
The coordinator of business partnerships visits Vacaresti and Piatra Craiului and shares his experiences. His visit celebrated the 100th anniversary of the US National Park system.
July 2016
IBM To Set-Up Cognitive Technologies Research Center
The project will be called European and National Romanian Innovation Cognitive Hub (ENRICH). IBM becomes the first company to develop cognitive computing technologies in Romania. Article
July 8, 2016
United States Sends Battalion to Romania.
Up to 1,000 troops with armored vehicles and tanks to be stationed in rotation at Mihail Kogalniceanu. Article
July 8, 2016
Romania and NATO
Discussion at CEPA in Washington, DC, between Bogdan Aurescu and Mr. Janusz Bugajski, CEPA Senior Fellow. More
June 30, 2016
BREXIT: "We have a plan"
Two young indiviuals from Cluj created a clever website with a post-Brexit suggestion that British citizens come settle in Romania. Site
June 2016
Deputy Prime Minister Meets US Undersecretary of Agriculture
Discussions focused on increasing US investments in Romania. Special emphasis was put on the agricultural and food sectors. Article
June 17, 2016
Prime Minister Ciolos Visit to the the United States
The Prime Minister was interviewed by the Washington Post on a wide cross-section of subjects. "The relationship [with the U.S.] is at the highest level in history.," he asserted. Article
May 26, 2016
Amb. Mark Gitenstein Comments on Prime Minister Ciolos' Visit
The Prime Minister's visit included U.S. government officials including Vice President Biden in Washington, D.C., and meetings with senior executives of Ford Motor Co. in Detroit and round-table discussions with other corporations. HotNews
May 26, 2016
Robert Kaplan - Presentation in Bucharest
He stated that "the greatest threat to Romania does not constitute a strong Russia, but a weak one," adding that this would mean "aggression and chaos." In his opinion, "the Russian threat is not tanks and combat aircraft, but subversion". More
May 23, 2016
Ms. Pasca-Palmer, Minister of Environment Signs Climate Change Treaty
In New York on April 22, 171 nations signed the Climate Change Treaty. Romania was represented by Ms. Pasca-Palmer who had in prior responsibilities represented the EU in the Paris treaty negotiations. Secretary of State John Kerry signed for the United States. Article
April 22, 2016
GOOGLE Starts Digital Training Program for Entrepreneurs
A free on-line course with 23 topics is offered to entrepreneurs interested in creating a digital presence. Article
April, 2016
U.S. Ambassador Hans Klemm Visit to Detroit
Invited and hosted by ALIANTA Advisory Board Member Dr. Iuliana Niculescu, Amb. Hans Klemm met with Romanian American business and community leaders in Detroit, Michigan. The Ambassador answered numerous questions related to the possibility of business investment, medical exchanges, support for the Romanian Musical Festival in Michigan. Also he offered the support of the US Embassy in Bucharest to those who want to pursue Romanian American collaboration projects.
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March, 2016
Romanian Ambassador Maior Q&A (Washington, DC)
Comments on the Romanian/American relationship including references to Robert Kaplan's book In Europe's Shadow. Article
Meeting with Amb. Hans Klemm (Washington, DC)
Members of the ALIANTA Board and Avisory Board met with Amb. Klemm to exchange ideas on how to support RO-US initiatives of the US Embassy in Romania.
Mar. 10, 2016
Military Presence from U.S. to be Increased
An estimated 1,000 new troops will be deployed in Romania.
Feb. 22, 2016
President Obama 'Early-Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers' Includes Romanian-born scientist
Gradinaru Viviana is 35 years old, is a professor of biology and leads a research team from Caltech in California who created 'see-through organs' in a mouse.
Feb. 19, 2016
CEPA Report: Russia can use the idea of "Greater Romania" and the Szekler separatist movements in Transylvania Article
Feb. 10, 2016
European Investment Bank (EIB) President Werner Hoyer Declares Support of Long-term Investment Article
Feb. 10, 2016
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to Visit Romania
The Romanian Foreign Minister confirmed the acceptance to visit Romanian in 2016.
Dec. 3, 2015
Parliament Approves New Goverment of Dacian Ciolos
By a vote of 389 to 115, the new government ministers were approved by the Parliamanent. New York Times Article
Nov. 17, 2015
Aferim! to be Screened in U.S.
The award winning film will be sceened in starting January 22nd in several U.S. cities.
Nov. 13, 2015
New Prime Minister Picked: Dacian Cioclos
"Romania's president nominated an expert on agriculture to replace Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who was ousted last week after major demonstrations by protesters angered by graft and lethargy in the government."
New York Times Article
Nov. 11, 2015
Outrage Spreads in Romania / New York Times Article
Nov. 7, 2015
President Iohannis meets with civic society representatives Article
Nov. 6, 2015
Oracle CEO, Safra Catz, Goes to Bucharest
"The Oracle CEO arrived in Bucharest to be with bereaved families of three employees who died and seven who were injured in the Club Colectiv tragedy," said Sorin Mindrutescu, country manager of the company. Article
Nov. 4, 2015
Ambassador Klemm and his Wife Pay Respects at the Site of Oct 30th Nighclub Fire
"The Embassy of the United States has learned with deep sorrow about the terrible tragedy last night from a club in the center of Bucharest. Welcome sincere condolences to the families, friends and acquaintances of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are moving also the numerous injuries which hopefully will recover as quickly."
Oct. 31, 2015
Dr. Adrian Bejan, Alianta Awardee 2015, to Publish New Book; "The Physics of Life" / Details
Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA/Washington, DC) Documents Illegal Logging in Romania by Austrian Schweighofer Co.
"The report documents how Schweighofer processes large amounts of illegally harvested timber from Romanian forests into semi-finished wood products and biomass, selling the products throughout the European Union.Schweighofer is one of the largest timber companies in Europe and unfortunately a major driver of illegal logging in Romania," said Alexander von Bismarck, Executive Director of EIA." Article
Oct 22, 2015
Radu Georgescu, Alianta Awardee 2015, Launches New U.S. Company
The start-up launched a Romania-created and produced smart watch under the brand name "Vector Watch."
Oct 21, 2015
Romania's ex-President Ion Iliescu "is facing prosecution on charges of crimes against humanity for the violent suppression of a protest months after the fall of the Communist regime." BBC News
Read original June 14, 1990 NYT report of the miners violent actions / Oct 21, 2015
Ambassador Hans Klemm AmCham Speech
"Romania must break the cycle of political influence on economic decisions, U.S. Ambassador to Romania Hans Klemm told the conference “The Case for Investing in Romania” organized on Tuesday by the American Chamber of Commerce in Romania." Article
Oct 13, 2015
Microsoft to Expand Operations in Romania
Already counting a workforce of 700 in Romania, the company announced plans to expand its staffing by several hundred. More
Oct 12, 2015
President Klaus Johannis Issues Invitation to President Obama to Visit Romania and Meets Vice-President Joe Biden
Subsequent to United Nations meetings including official receptions hosted by President Barack Obama in New York, President Johannis met with Vice President at the White House in Washington, D.C. More
Sept 28, 2015
Ambassador Hans Klemm
Hans Klemm was sworn-in by Secretary of State John Kerry as the next U.S. Ambassador to Romania. More
Sept 16, 2015
Professor Steve Jarding, Harvard University (Kennedy School)
CAESAR Foundation offers an executive education program with Professor Jarding: "Today's World and the Need for Authentic Leadership: How to Make a Difference." More
Fall 2015
Ex-Ambassador James Rosapepe
The Romanian American Society of Washington State hosted Mr. Rosapepe in a visit on Microsoft’s Redmond Campus. At the meeting were representatives of the Microsoft Romanians Diversity Group. Article
Aug 3, 2015