New Strategy Center celebrates 10 years of activity dedicated to national security and international cooperation. On July 9, 2015, we organized our first conference, opening the way for a series of relevant debates for Romania and our region. Throughout this decade, we have been a space for dialogue—of ideas, solutions, and initiatives—meant to strengthen the Romanian state’s response mechanisms to complex security challenges.
Over the years, we have consolidated a solid regional platform, where officials, experts, and decision-makers from Romania and the transatlantic community have collaborated and contributed to promoting the strategic relevance of the Black Sea region and our country. Furthermore, the New Strategy Center’s network of national and international partnerships has allowed us to bring prominent security voices to Romania and represent our country at important international events such as the Munich Security Conference, GLOBSEC, Delphi Economic Forum, or the Warsaw Security Forum.
Ionel Nițu, President of the New Strategy Center
“The idea behind the founding of the New Strategy Center was to shape and develop a dialogue platform that would influence Romania’s strategic thinking in the fields of security, international relations, and defense. Over this decade, we have brought together top experts in a sustained effort.”
Message from the President of Romania, H.E. Nicușor Dan, presented by Ambassador Luminița Odobescu, Presidential Advisor for European Affairs:
“In a very complicated international context, with constant challenges in security, defense, and foreign policy, it is essential that Romania’s interests are supported both by the government and civil society. From this perspective, the New Strategy Center is a strong voice on the international stage—a think tank that has proven its credibility through constant effort and engagement, supporting the Euro-Atlantic values that define us as a nation. In your 10 years of activity—marked by seriousness and patriotism—you’ve played an important role in developing Romania’s strategic thinking.”
H.E. Ionuț Moșteanu, Minister of National Defense
“The partnership between the Ministry of National Defense and the New Strategy Center has played an essential role in developing valuable initiatives in security and defense. Over these ten years, you’ve consolidated your position as a reference think tank, offering rigorous expertise and facilitating credible dialogue platforms for all actors involved in Euro-Atlantic security. You can count on our ministry—we’ll continue to develop joint projects.”
Ana Tinca, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“The pace of global geopolitical change is accelerating. Old challenges are compounding, and new ones arise. Responses must therefore be prompt and creative. In this context, the role of organizations like the New Strategy Center becomes increasingly essential, as the era of predictability has ended. Some old good practices are now questioned, and we need a new kind of diplomacy.”
Sir James Everard, Honorary Chairman of the NSC Scientific Council, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe
“In 2015, there was a strong need for an independent think tank focused on the Balkans and Black Sea region, specializing in foreign policy, defense, security, and transatlantic cooperation. This need is even more acute today, for obvious reasons. NSC filled this gap, earning a strong reputation for organizing meaningful conferences, offering deep analytical insight, and possessing a rare understanding of both the region and NATO.”
H.E. Nicolas Warnery, French Ambassador to Romania
“NSC was established 10 years ago to promote strategic reflection. I’ve attended two of your forums and must say I’m truly impressed by the quality of your moderators, publications, guests, and panels—they’re remarkable. It’s clear that here in Bucharest, an authentic and meaningful dialogue is taking place. This is exactly what Romania needs. Congratulations to the Center, its founders, members, team, and sponsors. We look forward to continuing this partnership in the years to come.”
H.E. Hilde Lunde, Norwegian Ambassador to Romania
“The New Strategy Center has built a strong voice in the European diplomatic and strategic community. By focusing on Romania, the Black Sea, and regional security, NSC has provided high-level academic analysis and valuable strategic perspectives. In the face of evolving hybrid threats, cooperation between academia and authorities is essential for resilience—an area where NSC plays a vital role. We value the cooperation projects developed with the Norwegian Institute for Foreign Affairs, which improved understanding of threats in the Arctic and Black Sea regions.”
Ambassador Sergiu Celac, Honorary President of NSC
“After a long career in diplomacy and public service, I can say that I’ve rarely encountered a more stimulating and friendly human environment for creativity than what NSC offers. This explains its solid and recognized prestige both domestically and internationally, achieved in a relatively short time. In today’s geopolitical climate, with Romania facing serious regional challenges, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation are essential. The volume Romania in 2030 reflects this imperative—going beyond daily analysis to provide a compass for navigating the future.”
Nicoleta Pauliuc, Chair of the Senate Committee on Defense
“NSC has shown vision, perseverance, and a strong commitment to national and Euro-Atlantic security. Together, we supported essential projects, using shared expertise and energy. In a time of hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns, NSC has promoted a culture of responsibility and helped strengthen durable international partnerships. You brought top NATO and EU experts to Bucharest, contributing to Romania’s voice in strategic debates. These initiatives added value to national defense and security institutions. Security is not just about defense—it’s also about unity in the face of challenges.”
Titus Corlățean, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs
“Over the past ten years, NSC has functioned as a genuine think tank in a Romanian society where such a tradition was almost nonexistent. The practice of exploring various scenarios, especially negative ones—uncommon for us—proved essential and was made possible by the NSC team’s efforts. Some policymakers, including myself, have benefited directly from this valuable work. Even if not all recommendations turned into policy immediately, having access to these ideas is crucial. Governing is like steering a ship through murky waters. I fully support your future efforts.”
Raed Arafat, Secretary of State, Ministry of Internal Affairs
“Today’s security challenges are increasingly complex and require coordinated responses from institutions and civil society to build resilience. Simulation exercises conducted with NSC significantly contributed to institutional preparedness in energy and maritime security. NSC is essential in facilitating dialogue between institutions and shaping suitable strategic solutions. Our collaboration has been valuable and remains key to promoting a strategic culture tailored to today’s challenges.”
H.E. Ihor Prokopchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Romania
“New Strategy Center has proven to be a vocal and persuasive supporter of Ukraine, addressing the key implications of this war through various conferences and meetings, inviting Ukrainian speakers to share their perspectives and expertise, and advocating for Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and NATO, as well as for deeper Romanian-Ukrainian cooperation. NSC has consistently and firmly supported the goals of a just and lasting peace, based on international law.”
At the Gala, NSC launched a volume entitled “Romania 2030: Trends, Challenges, Opportunities.” The book, published by Tritonic Publishing House, is a collection of essays written by 18 authors, both current and former members of NSC’s Scientific Council. This project was made possible thanks to the generous support provided by the company Leviatan Group. NSC extends its gratitude to Mr. Cătălin Podaru and Leviatan Group for their support.
Antonia Colibășanu, Senior Associate Expert, NSC
“This evening, New Strategy Center launches the volume Romania in 2030—a work conceived as a crucial support tool for decision-makers and experts, highlighting topics we consider critical for our country’s future. We invite you to explore this volume with confidence—you will find a solid framework for reflection. In today’s volatile international context, we must look not only at the distant future but also the near one—and ask what we are concretely doing with Romania, and in Romania, in the coming years.”
Mihaela Nicola, Member of NSC Scientific Council
“I believe the New Strategy Center has kept its essential promise embedded in its name: New Strategy Center. Being consistently relevant and in tune with societal developments is a great success. Congratulations!”
Alexandra Gătej, Member of NSC Scientific Council
“At the beginning of this project last year, I was ready to write about how costly it might be for Romania to choose isolation, guided by misinterpreted desires posing as national objectives. I chose to use the analogy of the cost of loneliness for a person, to explain why a small, isolated country pays a price for everything—investment, security, development, or a seat at the table. That is, unless the country is powerful in something, recognized for something, or has strategic geography.”
Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, Honorary President of NSC Scientific Council
“The New Strategy Center is an intellectual hub dedicated to shaping and promoting strategic ideas. We’ve consolidated our status as a reference think tank, gathering expertise, experience, and strategic influence through the valuable contributions of our members. Beyond in-depth studies and landmark events, this collective strength—built on a multidisciplinary approach and a clear mission—has made possible the creation of a coherent strategic vision for the future of Romania, Europe, and the Euro-Atlantic community.”
George Scutaru, General Director of the New Strategy Center
“The New Strategy Center project continues with the same dedication and seriousness. We will continue to advocate for the strategic relevance of the Black Sea region and Romania, especially in this extremely volatile security environment. Our future work will mean new initiatives, events, and partnerships. Moreover, we aim to contribute to key documents for Romania’s security, such as the National Defense Strategy or Romania’s future Black Sea strategy. Thank you to all who supported us over these 10 years—and thank you in advance for your continued support.”
We thank all those who have accompanied us on this journey—partner institutions, academic members, sponsors, and everyone who believed in our mission.
We move forward together.