About the program

Since 1966, the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) has provided emerging leaders with opportunities to engage in international exchange programs, fostering connections across political and geographical boundaries. With the support of the U.S. Department of State and a network of global partners, ACYPL has facilitated life-changing experiences for over 9,200 leaders from the U.S. and 137 countries and territories worldwide. Alumni of the program include prime ministers, governors, U.S. Cabinet members, members of Congress, and hundreds of current and former parliamentarians.

Starting in 2024, the Political Research Group (PRG) has signed an Exchange Partnership with ACYPL, marking a new chapter in transatlantic collaboration. As part of this partnership, a delegation of young American political leaders visited Romania from May 18 to 22, 2024, engaging in high-level discussions, cultural experiences, and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security ties between the two nations.

Highlights of the May 2024 U.S. Delegation Visit to Romania

The delegation’s visit began with their arrival in Bucharest on May 18, followed by a guided tour of the Romanian Parliament, where they met with key political figures, including Andi Cristea, Cristian Băcanu, and Manuela Catrina, to discuss topics such as governance, cybersecurity, and Romania’s strategic role in the transatlantic partnership. The evening concluded with a networking dinner.

On May 19, the delegation explored Romania’s cultural heritage with a visit to Dealu Mare’s Velvet Winery for a wine tasting experience, followed by a traditional Romanian lunch at Crama de Piatra. They also visited Eden Ranch, an equestrian center, offering further insight into Romania’s countryside and leisure industries.

May 20 was dedicated to political and economic discussions. The delegation met with Mihai Precup, President of the Agency for Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Enterprises, before participating in a roundtable at the Romanian-American University on international trade and investment in the context of the 2024 global electoral cycle. This session included private sector representatives and Rareș Burlacu, President of ARICE (Romanian Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade). The day concluded with a meeting at the Prime Minister’s office with State Counselor Florin Spătaru, followed by a private dinner hosted by Brisk GROUP.

On May 21, the delegation visited the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, meeting with Rebecca Molinoff from the Political Section. Further discussions followed at the Romanian Parliament with Sorin Moldovan, Chair of the IT&C Committee, and Ovidiu Raețchi, President of the Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre, who provided a strategic briefing on Black Sea security. The day concluded with a final meeting with Roxana Mînzatu, State Secretary at the Department for Public Investments, and a farewell dinner at Casa Doina, supported by Optoelectronica.

On May 22, the delegation departed Romania, wrapping up a visit that successfully combined high-level engagements with cultural immersion, reinforcing the importance of U.S.-Romanian strategic relations.

Upcoming Romanian Delegation Visit to the U.S. (September 2025)

As part of the ongoing exchange, a delegation of young political leaders from Romania will visit the United States in September 2025, with stops in Washington, D.C., and Colorado. This visit will offer participants firsthand exposure to U.S. governance, policy-making, and business landscapes, strengthening bilateral ties and fostering leadership development.

Selection for this program is currently underway. More details can be found in the document below.
Call for Applications US September 2025

For further information, please contact us at office@politicalresearchgroup.com.