The New Strategy Center organized a research visit to Washington, D.C., between April 14–16. The delegation was represented by George Scutaru, CEO of NSC, who held a series of meetings with American experts in security and foreign affairs from prestigious U.S. think tanks, as well as with experts and advisors from the foreign relations and armed services committees in Congress. The discussions focused on developments in the Black Sea region in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the importance of the U.S. military presence in Romania, the need to maintain freedom of navigation in the western Black Sea basin, as well as issues related to energy security, food security, and other topics of mutual interest in the Romania–U.S. bilateral relationship.
George Scutaru held meetings in the U.S. Congress with experts from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, as well as with experts from the Hudson Institute, Atlantic Council, Heritage Foundation, America First, and the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). He also participated in a series of events organized in Washington by the Ukraine–U.S. Chamber of Commerce, focused on the reconstruction of Ukraine.
During the discussions with American experts, the extensive process undertaken by Romania to modernize its military capabilities and the major investments in infrastructure needed to host allied troops, training, and military mobility were highlighted. Romania’s contribution to NATO’s deterrence and defense posture on the Alliance’s Eastern Flank is significant and vital for the security of the Black Sea region. Maintaining a robust U.S. military presence in Romania is also beneficial for U.S. interests, given the complex security environment in the Black Sea area and the Middle East.
George Scutaru emphasized Romania’s consistent efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and its multifaceted support for Ukraine. He also presented the status of several energy and connectivity projects with a significant impact on regional security.
The New Strategy Center is grateful to the Embassy of Romania in the United States for its support, as well as Lieutenant General Iulian Berdilă, Deputy Chief of Defence for Operations and Training, for his involvement and participation in some of the meetings. American partners appreciated the complementary nature of the viewpoints expressed and the expertise of the Romanian participants.
The New Strategy Center is also grateful Leviatan Group for its support in facilitating this documentation visit and for the participation of Mr. Cătălin Podaru, CEO of Leviatan Group, in some of the meetings.
