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Mark Gittenstein (archive photo): During his time in Romania, Gitenstein campaigned against corruption and for greater privatization
Photo: DANIEL MIHAILESCU / AFP
US President Joe Biden nominated his longtime employee Mark Gitenstein as ambassador to the European Union on Tuesday.
He already served as ambassador to Romania under the former President Barack Obama.
Gitenstein is a trained lawyer.
His nomination has yet to be approved by the Senate, which Biden's Democrats control.
With Gitenstein, Biden is sending a clear signal to improve relations with the EU, which have suffered badly under his predecessor Donald Trump.
During his time in Romania, Gitenstein campaigned against corruption and for greater privatization.
Previously, he was advisor to the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee for 17 years, where he worked closely with Biden.
Ex-President Trump made Gordon Sondland, a wealthy hotel owner, his EU ambassador.
He fired him after Sondland testified in Congress about Trump's pressure on Ukraine, which led to the president's first impeachment.
asa / AFP
