US firm aided Qatar in securing Visa Waiver program, now said to have struck a lobbying deal with Romania
Romania Hires US Consultancy Firm to Assist in Visa Waiver Program Bid
Romania has enlisted the services of Global Security and Innovative Strategies LLC (GSIS), an American consultancy firm specializing in security and public safety, to help them join the US Visa Waiver Program. The agreement, signed by Romania’s ambassador to Washington, Andrei Muraru, and GSIS principal partner Noah Kroloff, is valid until October 31, 2025, and reportedly costs USD 25,000 per month [1][2][3][4][5].
The contract outlines that GSIS will provide consultancy services focusing on international cooperation between Romania and the United States regarding public safety, security requirements, and issues related to trade and travel. This arrangement mirrors a similar contract GSIS had with Qatar before Qatar was admitted to the Visa Waiver Program in September 2024 [1][3].
The agreement comes after the US Department of Homeland Security suspended Romania’s planned inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program indefinitely in March 2025, citing the need to ensure compliance with strict security requirements [1][2][4]. The GSIS engagement aims to help Romania address these requirements and prepare a successful case for re-entry into the program.
The similarity between the Romanian-GSIS agreement and the contract signed by GSIS with Qatar is noteworthy. Both agreements place special emphasis on mutual public safety, security requirements, and cooperation on matters related to trade and travel. The signatures of Romania’s ambassador to Washington, Andrei Muraru, and GSIS’s principal partner, Noah Kroloff, are still on the agreement. The goal to ready Romania’s case for joining the Visa Waiver program remains unchanged.
[1] Romanian state concludes lobbying agreement with Global Security and Innovative Strategies LLC. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gov.ro/ro/acte-legale/acte-legale-2023/act-23-2023/
[2] Agreement between Romania and Global Security and Innovative Strategies LLC is valid until October 31, 2025. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gov.ro/ro/acte-legale/acte-legale-2023/act-23-2023/
[3] Romanian-GSIS agreement mirrors Qatar's contract with GSIS. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-gsis-qatar-contract-visa-waiver/
[4] US suspends Romania's membership in the Visa Waiver program. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-suspends-romanias-membership-visa-waiver-program-2025-03-25/
[5] GSIS charges Romania a fee of USD 25,000 per month for the services rendered. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-hires-us-consultancy-firm-to-help-it-join-visa-waiver-program/
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