New and Exclusive to HWA:

Mark Gitenstein

US Ambassador to the European Union (2021-2025); US Ambassador to Romania (2009-2012)

A seasoned diplomat, legal expert, and strategic thinker, Ambassador Mark Gitenstein brings decades of experience at the intersection of global policy, democratic governance, and international business.

Ambassador Gitenstein served as U.S. Representative to the European Union from December 2021 to January 2025, leveraging his extensive European experience to strengthen U.S.-EU partnerships during critical global challenges. His work consistently focused on preserving democracy, enhancing market transparency, combating corruption, and defending the rule of law and independent media.

Throughout his career, Ambassador Gitenstein has exemplified how transatlantic cooperation and bipartisan engagement can advance shared democratic values across Europe and beyond.

Talks & Conversations

Transatlantic Alliance in Crisis

Mark Gitenstein leverages his nearly three decades of public service and deep engagement in Central and Eastern Europe to discuss the imperative of a unified transatlantic response in today’s volatile geopolitical climate. He draws on his experiences as U.S. Ambassador to Romania and as Representative to the EU to outline how fragile is democracy in Europe and why Americans should care about a strong transatlantic alliance of vibrant democracies. Drawing on the decisive actions of presidents of both parties from Truman and Eisenhower to Reagan and Biden how this has benefited our national security and what are the stakes in the current environment.

Championing Democracy Through Free Media and Transparent Institutions

Mark Gitenstein focuses on the critical role that independent media and transparent democratic institutions play in preserving democracy. Drawing on his distinguished career and accolades—including the Star of Romania and the ABA’s Silver Gavel award—he explains how free media serves as a bulwark against corruption and democratic backsliding. He advocates for new pathways to engage civil society leaders, financial experts, and media professionals, aiming to mobilize both international and local support for sustainable, pluralistic media markets in Central and Eastern Europe.

Watch Mark Speak