Spotlight on Romania: Why American Investment Is Rising
American companies are increasingly active in the Romanian market, with 2022 marking a record year.
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// About
Strategy. Intelligence. Execution.
Founder, David H. Carstens
"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."
— Sun TzuSoutheast Europe is undergoing a fundamental transformation — and Carstens Consulting Global provides the regional expertise and operational depth that allow our clients to move decisively.
Our approach is built on direct, on-the-ground engagement across Romania, the Balkans, and the wider Black Sea region. We don't offer theory. We offer access, clarity, and results.
Record defense spending across NATO's eastern flank
Accelerating EU integration across the Balkans
Major energy infrastructure investment reshaping the region
Rapid growth of regional tech ecosystems and talent pools
// Why Us
From Experience to Advantage
30+
Years
Military intelligence and strategic advisory experience at the highest levels
14
Countries
Active operational network spanning four continents and critical markets
HQ
On the Ground
Permanent presence in Romania with deep Balkan and Black Sea reach
GOV
Access
Direct relationships with government, defense, and strategic stakeholders
// Leadership
David H. Carstens
CEO & Founder · Colonel (Ret.), United States Army
David Carstens is the CEO and Founder of Carstens Consulting Global Inc., a U.S.-registered company focused on business development, market research, risk assessment, business intelligence, and asset protection solutions globally with emphasis on Southeast Europe and the Black Sea Region.
From 2018 to 2023, David served at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest as Chief of the Military Liaison Office, where he played a key role in coordinating bilateral military-to-military and security activities between the United States and Romania. This posting cemented the deep regional relationships and on-the-ground understanding that underpin the company's operations today.
Prior to his diplomatic role, David served 30 years in the United States Army as a Military Intelligence Officer, achieving the rank of Colonel and assuming positions of increasing responsibility. Career highlights include commanding U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Germany (2012–2014), and holding Joint assignments at both the National Security Agency (NSA) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
David works closely with the Romanian think tank New Strategy Center and the European Atlantic Resilience Center as a subject matter expert. He is Romania's founding Chapter President for the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
Education
BA Political Science — Kent State UniversityMA National Security & Strategic Studies — U.S. Naval War CollegeU.S. Army War College Fellowship — CIAAffiliations
AUSA Romania — Founding Chapter PresidentNew Strategy Center — Subject Matter ExpertEuropean Atlantic Resilience Center — SMEISOA — Member
// Leadership
Izel Selim
Director of Operations
Izel Selim brings over a decade of experience in strategic advisory, international cooperation, and business development across the transatlantic security and defense space to her role at CCG.
For nearly eight years (2017–2025), Izel served as Programs Manager at New Strategy Center (NSC), Romania's leading foreign policy and defense think tank. At NSC she managed high-level programs including the Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum, NATO 2030 young leaders consultations, and international cooperation initiatives with allied institutions and governments.
She also served as an Expert with the International Republican Institute's Transatlantic Security Initiative, focused on countering authoritarian influence, bolstering democratic resilience, and advancing strategic partnerships across the Euro-Atlantic space.
In parallel, Izel founded Balkan S. Consulting, a strategic consulting firm specializing in communications and business development. Through its creative brand necalli perfumes, the firm also bridges strategy with artistic expression — embodying the fusion of strategic thinking with bold, unconventional craftsmanship.
Education
National Defence College — Carol I National Defence UniversityNATO Defense College, Rome — Workshop ParticipantAffiliations
New Strategy Center — Programs Manager (2017–2025)Balkan S. Consulting — CEO & FounderInternational Republican Institute — Expert
