By Donna Janca, Alumni Relations Specialist
College of International and Security Studies
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (May 6, 2021) — The Alumni Programs Department at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies held a virtual outreach seminar on the topic “Corona Related Restrictions:  The Legal Considerations,” May 6.  The seminar was in cooperation with the Romanian Marshall Center Alumni Association and the U.S. and German Embassies in Bucharest.

Thirty-two Romanian Alumni and the U.S. and German Chargé d'affaires to Romania attended the event, where Marshall Center Professor of Security Studies Dr. Sebastian von Münchow discussed the legal considerations surrounding Coronavirus-related restrictions.  

U.S. Chargé d'affaires David Muniz offered introductory remarks, stating that the mandate of the Marshall Center and of its alumni remains extremely relevant. “The virtual meeting provides an opportunity for Romanian alumni to renew connections and strengthen the existing alumni network. It provides a direct line of communication with Romanian alumni to discuss current embassy programs and priority efforts of engagement.”

German Chargé d'affaires Kai Hennig also offered opening remarks on the importance of the U.S. and German partnership of the Marshall Center and the crucial importance of multilateral cooperation in the global community. “Maintaining a network of security sector professionals is an essential part of the Marshall Center’s mandate and events such as this are an important opportunity for GCMC alumni to promote cooperation, share ideas and best practices, and engage in continuous professional development.”

The seminar continued with interactive comments and discussion with senior Marshall Center alumni discussing the legal implications of COVID-19 and the restrictions the nations face. “During COVID-19, three important sets of values rivalled with each other,” said von Münchow. “It’s a trilemma; governments had to maintain a functioning health sector to save lives, they had to be mindful of civil liberties when introducing restrictions, and they had to maintain a thriving economy.”  

He added, “It’s important to withstand propaganda insinuating that authoritarian regimes are better in handling crisis. A sober look at our Rule-of-Law inspired instruments at hand shows that western societies don’t need to hide.”

“I was very moved to reconnect with some of the alumni I know.  It was great to engage with them on some of the pressing challenges brought on by COVID-19,” said von Münchow.  

Alumni can get the latest news and information from the Marshall Center by emailing their current contact info to: mcalumni [at] marshallcenter.org  Alumni can also follow the latest developments and gain access to networking and research resources through our GlobalNet online alumni portal: https://globalnetplatform.org/gcmc/