Europe with(out) the U.S. — the Future of NATO and the European Union

For years, NATO and the European Union have relied on the United States as a key player both to its economy and security. While the U.S. remains a member of NATO and a supporter of European security, there has been some strain on the transatlantic relationship under the Trump administration that calls into question what the future of NATO and the European Union would look like with and without the United States, especially in the face of the Ukrainian and Russian conflict. Ambassador Mark Gitenstein, a lawyer and diplomat who served as an ambassador to the European Union, will draw on his experience to explain how changes in global power dynamics would affect Europe.

Gitenstein began his role as U.S. Ambassador to the European Union in January 2022. A retired partner from Mayer Brown LLP, he previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Romania (2009–2012) and spent 17 years in the U.S. Senate, including 13 with then Sen. Joe Biden on the Judiciary and Intelligence Committees.

Over the past decade, Gitenstein has focused on strengthening democracy in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Romania, through work on market transparency, anti-corruption, and rule of law initiatives. His work highlights the critical role of free media as a keystone of democracy. He also co-led Biden's transitions to the vice presidency (2008) and presidency (2020).

He holds a BA from Duke University and a JD from Georgetown Law. He was awarded Romania's highest civilian honor in 2012, a personal and professional achievement as the grandson of Romanian immigrants. He also received the American Bar Association's Silver Gavel Award in 1993 for his book "Matters of Principle" on the Supreme Court nomination of Robert Bork.

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