Interview with His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie

Your Excellency, Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie as Director of RACVIAC, thank you for this interview with our magazine and please allow me to quote your CV from the official RACVIAC website (https://www.racviac.org/director-cv/) and then please answer our questions.:
“Area of Responsibility
The Director acts as the official representative of RACVIAC. He/she is responsible for the direction and control of all the elements of operation of RACVIAC. He/she tasks all personnel attached or assigned to RACVIAC within the limits of RACVIAC SOPs and relevant explicit national regulations, to fulfil RACVIAC’s mission. He/she also implements the general guideline decisions for the operation of RACVIAC as given by the Multinational Advisory Group (MAG) and informs MAG, through the MAG Chairperson, on all matters of substance.
Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie is a career diplomat. Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania he has been gradually promoted to the diplomatic ranks of Second Secretary, First Secretary, Counsellor, Minister Counsellor and Ambassador, holding various positions in the Departments for Policy Planning, Neighbouring Countries and Western and Central Europe.

Between 1992 and 1993 he was Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and between 1993 and 1995, Director of the Minister’s Office.

Between 1995 and 1999 he was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Italian Republic, to the Republic of Malta, to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, as well as Permanent Representative of Romania to the World Food Program, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Fund for Agricultural Development.

Between 1999 and 2003 he was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Republic of Bulgaria.

Between 2003 and 2008 he was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Republic of Tűrkiye.

Between 2008 and 2014 he was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Russian Federation.

Since 2016 he served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Republic of Croatia until his election as Director of RACVIAC.

Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie is honorary member of the Marmara Foundation, NGO with special consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and of observer to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

ALMA MATER:

• Faculty of International Economic Relations of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies;
• University of Leeds (Great Britain);
• Training course in Paris at the Secretariat of UNESCO.

During his career Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie has been awarded the following decorations:

• Knight of the Order Star of Romania
• Knight of the Order Diplomatic Merit of Romania
• Diploma of Excellence of the Romanian Diplomatic Service
• Patriarchal Cross, awarded by the Patriarch Teoctist of Romania
• Order of the “Saints Emperors Constantine and Helena” awarded by Patriarch Daniel of Romania
• Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
• Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
• Balkan Range Order First Class of the Republic of Bulgaria 

Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie speaks: English, French, Italian and Spanish.

1. What is and how has RACVIAC’s role in the SEE region evolved since its establishment and how has the organization contributed to regional stability?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: RACVIAC was established in 2000 as a platform for addressing implementation of arms control agreements and promoting dialogue and cooperation in the region, having in mind aftermaths of wars and turbulent political changes that marked the end of the 20th century and SEE in particular.

Since its inception, RACVIAC has significantly evolved into a comprehensive Centre for Security Cooperation. Initially focusing on Arms Control, it expanded its scope in 2007 to address broader security issues in Southeast Europe (SEE).

Through its three pillars—Cooperative Security Environment, Security Sector Governance, and Countering Transnational Security Threats—RACVIAC, plus Countering Weapons for Mass Destruction Network, has fostered regional cooperation, enhanced dialogue, and implemented numerous projects aimed at reducing insecurity and enhancing stability. Its role has been crucial in promoting trust-building measures, improving security sector governance, and addressing emerging threats such as cybercrime and terrorism.

This year marks 25 years of RACVIAC’s dedication to fostering dialogue and cooperation on security matters. Over the past quarter-century, the Center has organized more than 600 activities, bringing together over 7,000 participants and 3,700 lecturers. Significant progress has been made in promoting dialogue on security issues and building networks both within and beyond the region. The 2025 Program continues this tradition, offering a high-quality and well-aligned approach to addressing the needs of our Members. RACVIAC remains committed to upholding these standards in the years ahead.

2. What are RACVIAC’s main priorities for the coming years and what initiatives are underway to promote security and stability in South East Europe?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: Looking ahead, RACVIAC’s priorities include further strengthening security cooperation in Southeast Europe (SEE). To this end, RACVIAC has launched three strategic projects set to be implemented over the next few years. These projects address topics of significant interest and relevance to our Members, reflecting their shared commitment to enhancing security cooperation in SEE and beyond.

Developed in collaboration with esteemed regional partners known for their exceptional expertise, these projects are designed to ensure successful outcomes. They focus on emerging security challenges, including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Nuclear Security, and Critical Infrastructure Protection. Through these initiatives, RACVIAC aims to foster dialogue, build capacity, and strengthen strategic partnerships, ensuring the region is well-equipped to tackle evolving security threats effectively.

3. To what extent do you consider that RACVIAC can facilitate the regional integration of the Balkan countries into wider structures such as the European Union or NATO?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: RACVIAC plays a significant role in facilitating the Euro-Atlantic integration of Balkan countries by fostering dialogue and cooperation frameworks that align with EU and NATO standards. Through its activities and partnerships, RACVIAC enhances regional stability and prepares Member states for eventual integration by promoting security sector reforms and alignment with international standards.

It is worth noting that when RACVIAC was established, one of its primary objectives was to enhance the capabilities of its Member states in their pursuit of Euro-Atlantic integration. Upon reflection, it is evident that most of our Member states have successfully joined both the European Union (Romania, Croatia) and NATO (Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania), demonstrating significant progress in their Euro-Atlantic endeavors.

4. What are the main challenges faced by RACVIAC in facilitating dialog between member states, given the political and historical differences between them?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: Political and historical differences pose challenges to dialogue within RACVIAC. These differences require careful navigation to ensure consensus-based decision-making within our Steering Committee, the Multinational Advisory Group (MAG). However, RACVIAC’s structure as a neutral, regionally owned organization helps mitigate these challenges by providing a platform for constructive dialogue and cooperation on shared security concerns.

As you know, regional mechanisms offer unique advantages in addressing conflicts due to their geographic, cultural, and historical proximity to the issues at hand. RACVIAC, as a regional organization, possesses an in-depth understanding of local dynamics, enabling it to tailor solutions that resonate with the region’s specific challenges. As a regionally owned intergovernmental organization, our Organization emphasizes regional ownership and decision-making by consensus. This approach enables Member States to actively participate, enhancing trust and understanding. With a membership comprising nine nations, fourteen associate members, and six observers from the SEE region and beyond, RACVIAC serves as a platform for open communication, transparency, and mutual understanding. By facilitating dialogue on security matters, RACVIAC contributes to the region’s stability and resilience, thereby promoting trust and confidence among nations.

5. How do you assess the relations between RACVIAC member states and other international actors such as the EU, NATO and Russia? What are the areas of convergence and conflict?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: RACVIAC maintains cooperative relationships with international actors such as the EU, NATO. Here it should be stressed that Membership in RACVIAC is categorized into three groups: Members – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedinia, Romania, Serbia and Türkiye (countries of the South East European Cooperation Process), Associate Members – Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom (other countries supporting security dialogue and cooperation in South East Europe), and Observers – Canada, Moldova, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, United States of America (other countries, institutions, or organizations participating in RACVIAC activities with MAG approval). Since October 2014, Kosovo^* has participated in RACVIAC activities and meetings in accordance with MAG Conclusions.

While Russia held Associate Member status from the inception of RACVIAC and participated in activities in earlier years, its inactive status since 2015 and lack of response to invitations led to its exclusion from our invitation list.

Concerning your second question, areas of convergence include shared goals in regional stability and security cooperation. However, differences in strategic interests can occasionally lead to areas of conflict, necessitating balanced engagement and diplomacy from RACVIAC to maintain constructive relationships with all parties.

6. In the context of geopolitical changes in Europe and in the Balkan neighbourhood, what role should RACVIAC play in preventing destabilization risks in the region?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: Amid geopolitical changes, RACVIAC plays a crucial role in preventing destabilization risks by fostering regional cooperation and addressing emerging security challenges proactively. Its initiatives on resilience, crisis management, and strategic communication contribute to enhancing the region’s stability in the face of evolving threats. Allow me to highlight some of the activities we have undertaken and plan to pursue: a Strategic Communication Workshop, developed in close cooperation with the Military Peace

Support Operations Training Centre of Greece; a project focusing on Resilience and

Protection of Critical Infrastructure, which will be conducted in partnership with the Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre of Romania and CRDF Global from the United States; and the ongoing project, Building Cyber Resilience against Hybrid Threats in Southeast Europe, in collaboration with the Military Academy of North Macedonia.

^ This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence. (In accordance with Arrangements regarding regional representation and cooperation.)

7. What impact do external crises such as the conflict in Ukraine have on regional security in the Balkans and how do these events influence RACVIAC’s work?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: External crises, like the war in Ukraine, can have significant implications for Balkan security. They underscore the importance of RACVIAC’s role in promoting dialogue, enhancing crisis management capabilities, and strengthening regional resilience to external pressures and security threats. Despite the challenges Ukraine faces, I am pleased to note their continued engagement as a RACVIAC Observer country. This engagement is demonstrated through their valuable contributions, such as serving as lecturers and panelists at our conference on Security Challenges for Europe, and their participation in our Gender Training of Trainers course and on other RACVIAC activities.

8. What measures do you think should be taken to support the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Balkan countries, in particular those that are not yet members of NATO or the EU?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: RACVIAC supports Euro-Atlantic integration by helping Balkan countries meet NATO and EU membership criteria through capacity-building, security sector reforms, and alignment with international standards. It serves as a vital platform for cooperation and dialogue, essential for regional integration efforts. As I previously mentioned, one of our key objectives is to strengthen the capabilities of our Member States in their pursuit of Euro-Atlantic integration.

9. What are the main obstacles for Balkan countries in the process of integration into NATO and the EU and what should be done to overcome them?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: Main obstacles include political instability, unresolved conflicts, and socioeconomic challenges. To overcome these, concerted efforts are needed, including enhanced regional cooperation, adherence to rule of law, reforms in governance and security sectors, and support from international partners like RACVIAC.

10. How do you perceive Turkey’s role in the region, given that it is a member of NATO, but with geopolitical and economic interests distinct from many of the other Balkan states?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: As a NATO member with distinct geopolitical and economic interests, Türkiye plays a significant role in the Balkans. Its engagement influences regional dynamics, requiring nuanced diplomacy and cooperation frameworks facilitated by RACVIAC to ensure stability and mutual benefit. Here I can express gratitude to Türkiye for its unwavering support of RACVIAC over the past 24 years and emphasize how crucial Türkiye’s contributions have been to the Organization’s success and regional stability.

We are highlighting Türkiye’s status as a full Member since the establishment of RACVIAC, fulfilling all membership obligations with exceptional dedication.

11. What are the main areas of cooperation between RACVIAC and international organizations such as the UN, OSCE or the EU?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: RACVIAC collaborates closely with organizations such as the UN, OSCE, and EU on various security-related initiatives. This collaboration enhances RACVIAC’s effectiveness in addressing regional security challenges through shared expertise, resources, and coordinated efforts. As notable examples of our cooperation, I would like to highlight several key activities, including the ‘Agreement on Sub-Regional Arms Control (Dayton Article IV) – Orientation Course’ and the Vienna Document 2011 Course (OSCE), the Annual Meeting of Representatives from Defense and Security Committees of SEE Parliaments (OSCE Bosnia and Herzegovina), and the ‘Small Arms and Light Weapons Workshop’ (UNODA), among others.

12. How can RACVIAC support the development of a more integrated and effective regional security system in the face of emerging threats such as terrorism or mass migration?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: RACVIAC supports the development of a more integrated and effective regional security system by promoting cooperation on emerging threats like terrorism, mass migration, and cybersecurity. It fosters dialogue, capacity-building, and joint initiatives to strengthen collective resilience and response capabilities. Our activities, including initiatives like ‘Border Security and Management – Illegal Migration and Border Security’ and ‘Return, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of FTFs and their Family Members: Taking Stock and Way Forward’, which we organize in collaboration with respected partners, aim to address these challenges. They facilitate a platform for the exchange of opinions and experiences among experts and stakeholders.

Here it should be stressed that RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation remains steadfast in its mission to foster dialogue, collaboration and mutual understanding on security matters in South-Eastern Europe.

In a climate of uncertainty and global security challenges RACVIAC continues to fulfil its mission successfully by implementing our planned activities with participation numbers surpassing those in the preceding years.

Together with our Members, Associate Members, Observers and partnering organizations, RACVIAC continues to focus on areas such as Arms Control Regimes and Confidence and Security Building Measures, Disarmament & Non-Proliferation, C-WMD Network, Countering Terrorism and Organized Crime, Energy Security and Environmental issues, Crisis and Disaster Management, Politico-Military Aspects of Security, Building Integrity and Fighting Corruption, Border Security and Management, Gender Perspective and Human Rights, and so on.

13. To what extent is your organization working with non-governmental organizations and the private sector to support regional security and stability?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: RACVIAC actively engages with NGOs and the private sector to enhance regional security and stability. Collaborative efforts focus on capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in addressing security challenges, thereby fostering a comprehensive approach to regional security.

We also closely cooperate with the academic community and have established networking with various universities, Split University and Zagreb University from Croatia, Military Academy “Mihailo Apostolski” from North Macedonia, CRDF Global from United States… just to name a few.

14. What do you see as the greatest security challenges facing South East Europe today and how should the countries in the region respond?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: South East Europe (SEE) faces a complex and evolving security landscape shaped by both traditional and emerging threats. Key challenges include natural disasters, energy security, illegal migration, and the smuggling of small arms and light weapons, alongside cybersecurity threats, organized crime, geopolitical tensions, vulnerabilities to external influences, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach based on regional cooperation and institutional resilience. Let me explain that a little more: when we speak about natural disasters and climate change, we shoud be aware that the SEE region is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. Climate change exacerbates these risks, threatening critical infrastructure, food security, and economic stability. Countries must strengthen disaster response mechanisms, improve early warning systems, and invest in sustainable environmental policies.

Energy dependence on external suppliers makes SEE countries susceptible to economic and political pressure. The need for diversified energy sources and enhanced regional cooperation in energy infrastructure is critical. Investments in renewable energy, improved energy efficiency, and cross-border energy interconnectivity will enhance resilience.

Concerning the Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking, as a transit route for migrants heading to Western Europe, the region faces challenges in managing borders and preventing human trafficking. Effective migration policies, reinforced border security, and humane refugee integration strategies are needed to address this issue.

The illicit trade of SALW remains a serious concern, fueling organized crime and instability. Enhanced law enforcement cooperation, stricter arms control measures, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms are essential to curb this threat.

Cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, financial systems, and government institutions pose an increasing risk to SEE security. The rise of AI introduces additional vulnerabilities, including misinformation, cyber warfare, and potential misuse of AIpowered surveillance and automation. Strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring responsible AI governance are crucial steps.

Concerning the Organized Crime and Corruption, SEE remains a hotspot for organized crime networks involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption. Institutional reforms, stricter legal frameworks, and enhanced judicial cooperation are necessary to counter these threats effectively.

Speaking about Geopolitical Tensions and External Influences, the region is susceptible to geopolitical rivalries and external influences, which can undermine political stability and democratic processes. A unified regional strategy, along with stronger EU and NATO integration efforts, can help counteract destabilizing influences.

To tackle these security challenges, in my opinion, countries in the region must strengthen institutional capacities, enhance regional and international cooperation, adopt comprehensive security strategies and, at the end, it would be beneficial to continue to support our activities and projects, as RACVIAC plays an important role in fostering security cooperation in SEE. Especially as our activities have expanded to include AI governance, cybersecurity capacity-building, and countering hybrid threats.

15. How do new technologies and cyber challenges influence regional security and what measures should be taken to combat emerging threats in this area?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: New technologies and cyber threats have a profound impact on regional security, necessitating enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, capacity-building in cyber defense, and cooperation on regulatory standards. RACVIAC plays a crucial role in facilitating these initiatives to effectively mitigate emerging threats.

RACVIAC promotes various approaches to counter cyber risks through the application of policies, technologies, and procedures aimed at reducing the likelihood and impact of successful cyber attacks on state organizations and institutions. Leveraging the expertise of its partners and expert network, RACVIAC organizes activities to identify and foster best practices for cyber risk mitigation. These include conducting cyber risk assessments, establishing network access controls, applying security patches and updates, providing regular employee training, adopting automated security technologies, minimizing attack surfaces, and developing incident response plans.

However, in light of evolving technologies and the increasing capabilities of potential adversaries, RACVIAC continually seeks the latest developments and advancements in the cybersecurity arena.

For example, in collaboration with the Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski” in Skopje, RACVIAC identified the need for an effective, coordinated approach to combat existing cyber and hybrid threats. The project “Strengthening SEE Resilience in Cyber Security against Hybrid Threats,” scheduled from January 2023 to December 2026, is currently underway. As part of this initiative, the course “Building Cyber Resilience against Hybrid Threats in SEE,” taking place from 29th September to 3rd October this year, will gather leading experts and academics. They will address the comprehensive challenges and drivers behind societal resilience to multi-dimensional threats originating from cyberspace.

Ultimately, building resilience against cyber and hybrid-based threats goes beyond infrastructure and organization—it involves empowering people and refining societal processes.

16. In the context of the energy crisis and climate change, what role should RACVIAC play in promoting more sustainable regional security in the long term?

His Excellency Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie: In the context of energy crises and climate change, RACVIAC promotes sustainable security by addressing environmental security challenges, energy security issues, and promoting resilience in critical infrastructure. These efforts contribute to long-term stability and prosperity in Southeast Europe.

The Energy Security Seminar has been an integral part of the RACVIAC program since 2015, consistently yielding valuable results. It has provided an excellent platform for bringing together energy experts from South East European countries and beyond, fostering mutual respect and cooperation among them. Additionally, it has served as a great opportunity to share experiences and expertise with professionals, inspiring new ideas and collaborations. I am pleased to announce that we plan to build on this successful experience by expanding our activities to include Nuclear Security, as well.

We gratefully thank Your Excellency Mr. Ambassador Constantin -Mihail Grigorie for kindly granting us this interview.