Wolf Theiss defence outlook 2026: Romania in the regional context
22 April 2026

Wolf Theiss’ regional Defence Team is organising an expert level event on emerging defence
developments in Central and Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on implications for Romania and
opportunities for industrial partnership.

Agenda 

16:00 – 16:30 Welcome coffee

16:30 – 16:45 Key-note speakers

• Andrei Baciu, Deputy, Vice-President of the Defense Committee in the Romanian Parliament – Chamber of Deputies
• Eli Corso-Phinney, Commercial Officer, Embassy of the United States of America in Romania

16:45 – 17:45 Panel 1: Regional defence landscape and procurement priorities

An overview of key trends shaping defence capabilities in CEE, including procurement priorities, industrial partnerships, U.S.–CEE cooperation and regional strategic developments.

Moderator:

• David H. Carstens, CEO and Founder, Carstens Consulting Global

Speakers:

• Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Cătălin Constantin Mihalache, Founder & CEO, Black Sea Strategies
• Horia‑Răzvan Botiș, Vice-Chairman, NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) / Member of the Board of Directors, NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for North Atlantic (DIANA) initiative
• Adrian Duță, Senior Adviser, Defence and Security, KPMG Romania

17:45 – 18:45 Panel 2: Legal, industrial & financing dimensions of defence in Romania

A deep dive into defence procurement frameworks, M&A and JV structuring, compliance, FDI screening, cybersecurity and available EU and national financing mechanisms.

Moderator:

• Bryan W. Jardine, Partner, Wolf Theiss Romania and Regional Defence Team Lead, Wolf Theiss

Speakers:

• Marius Miharta, Center of Excellence in Research, Development and Innovation, C.N. ROMARM S.A.
• Andreea Zvâc, Partner, Wolf Theiss Romania & Regional Defence Team Member, Wolf Theiss
• Thomas Dyer, President and Owner,Dyer Wolf Consulting
• Irina Papuc, Manager and Defence Lead, Schuman Associates (Brussels)
• George Vladimir Duhan,Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Leviatan Group

18:45 – 19:00 Closing remarks

19:00 – 20:30 Networking cocktail reception

Time & Place

Date: 22 April 2026
Time: 16:00 – 19:00 EET