Dr. Oana Cristina Popa is a fellow in GMF’s Bucharest office. Dr. Popa is a career diplomat in the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with over 23 years of experience. Most recently, she held the position of EU Ambassador to Montenegro (2020-2024). Earlier, she served as the ambassador of Romania to Serbia (2016-2020) and to Croatia (2005-2009). She has also served as adviser to the minister of foreign affairs on Euro-Atlantic affairs, head of the North America division, and deputy chief of mission in the embassy of Romania to Croatia.

Prior to joining the diplomatic service in 2002, Dr. Popa was executive director of the US Fulbright Commission in Romania. She holds a PhD in history and international relations and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and education, both from the Babeş-Bolyai University of Cluj, as well as a master’s degree in international peace studies from the University of Notre Dame. In 2007, she received a certificate in executive education fromHarvard University.

Dr. Popa is the recipient of two NATO fellowships on security and regional cooperation in Southeast Europe and was a POSDRU postdoctoral fellow of the Romanian Academy for EU enlargement and accession.

She has extensive academic and research experience in international and regional security, trans-Atlantic relations, and EU enlargement, and is the author of many publications. She is the recipient of several Romanian and international medals and awards for her work in global and EU affairs.

Dr. Popa has been active for over two decades in civic campaigns related to the fight against domestic violence.