In 2026, Aspen Institute Romania is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of sustained impact as Romania’s leading organization for leadership education, strategic reflection, and a major convening platform for non-partisan policy debates. As part of the International Network of Aspen Institutes around the world, ever since its foundation, Aspen Institute Romania has strived to fulfill its mission to foster value-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect and act in accordance with the ideals and ideas that define a good society.

In this context, we are honored to celebrate this milestone with us, marking Aspen Institute Romania @20 in Aspen Meadows, Colorado—at the very birthplace of the idea of an Aspen Institute Romania.

Program:
July 16
Dedicated Panel at Aspen Security Forum
On July 16 Aspen Institute Romania will host a dedicated panel, organized in partnership with the Aspen Strategy Group, under the framework of the Aspen Security Forum 2026 (the premier national security and foreign policy conference in the United States, taking place July 14–17):
Thursday, July 16, ~9:50 AM
It’s Not You, It’s U.S.: The Future of NATO
In Partnership with the Aspen Institute Romania, marking its 20th anniversary
•Nils Schmid, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Defence, Germany
•Chris Brose, President and Chief Strategy Officer, Anduril
•General Christopher Cavoli (Ret.), 19th Commander, U.S. European Command; 20th Supreme Allied Commander Europe
•Mircea Geoană, Former Deputy Secretary General, NATO, Founder, Aspen Institute Romania
•Moderator: Courtney Kube, NBC

July 18
Exhibition, Film Screening & Aspen Dialogue – “Maria, Heart of Romania”
Organized in partnership with Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR), National Cotroceni Museum (MNC), Friends of Romania Foundation & Renasterea Foundation, with sponsorship from Aqua Carpatica & Crama DeMatei
On July 18 Aspen Institute Romania will host a program including:
•Romanian wine tasting & showcase of the Romanian exhibition: 100 years – Queen Marie of Romania’s visit to America (1926–2026).
•Screening of “Maria, Heart of Romania” by John Florescu
This compelling documentary portrays Queen Marie of Romania—a defining figure in modern Romanian history. Through rare archival footage and her own words, the film highlights her role in World War I and at the Paris Peace Conference. In 2026, it gains renewed relevance, marking 100 years since her landmark visit to the United States, which elevated Romania’s international standing.
•Aspen Dialogue (post-screening conversation) with:
John Florescu (documentary filmmaker and long-time friend of Aspen Romania, known for his work exploring history, geopolitics, and untold human stories)
&
Maestro Cristian Macelaru (Aspen Romania Honorary member and GRAMMY® Award-winning Romanian conductor, Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre National de France, and Artistic Director of Romania’s George Enescu International Festival)

July 19
Concert at the Aspen Music Festival conducted by Maestro Cristian Măcelaru
The 20th Anniversary of Aspen Institute Romania will be acknowledged at the beginning of a concert conducted by Maestro Cristian Măcelaru, which will close with the Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 by George Enescu. The concert is part of the official program of Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) 2026, organized from July 1 to August 23, 2026. This 77th edition of the festival is centered around the theme “For All,” celebrating inclusivity and the 250th anniversary of the United States.