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Moldova: Russia’s Next Target? Luncheon Discussion with Ambassador Viorel Ursu
February 23, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Uniquely situated, Moldova is at the crossroads of an international crisis. Confronted with war on its doorstep and Russia threatening interference in its internal affairs, the Republic of Moldova faces a complex and difficult future as it strives to move toward European integration.
Moldovan roots can be traced back to the 1350’s but modern-day, independent Moldova was only recognized by the US 33 years ago. This “new” nation has all the makings of growth and prosperity but with Putin’s dark cloud hanging overhead the country may be over before it gets started.
Join Ambassador Viorel Ursu as he discusses how Moldova struggles to maintain stability and peace while supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy. The survival of Moldova as a sovereign state is not just in the interest of Europe but in the broader global concerns of the United States as well. In addition, we’ll be enjoying Moldovan wines during lunch as a special treat from the Ambassador!
Viorel Ursu, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United States of America
Ambassador Ursu has worked for two decades in the field of international development assistance and academia. He has deep expertise in European, Trans-Atlantic and Eurasian affairs, with a focus on democratic practice, diplomatic relations, human rights, anti-corruption, media, and civil society development.
Before assuming his current duties, since 2014, Ursu served as Division Director for Europe and Eurasia at the Open Society Foundations in London, UK. Ursu spent over a decade in Brussels, Belgium, as a Senior Policy Analyst at the Open Society European Policy Institute, where he developed deep knowledge and practice of the European Union’s policymaking and funding mechanisms. Prior to his move abroad, Ursu was a lecturer of International Law and Human Rights at the Moldova State University, which he graduated in 1997. During 1999-2002, Mr. Ursu managed the establishment of a Master’s Degree in EU Law and Human Rights at the Law School of the Moldova State University with the support of the EU-TEMPUS Program. Ursu is also a graduate of the College of Europe from Warsaw, with a Master in European Studies and EU Law. He received his initial training at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova in 1996-97. Over the years he pursued studying programs at University of Fribourg, Switzerland, Montesquieu University, France, University of Navarra, Spain, and Harvard University, USA. Ursu grew up in Chișinău, where he received his primary and secondary education at the Romanian-French Lyceum. Ambassador Ursu speaks Romanian, French, English, and Russian.