Former US ambassador to Kosovo to discuss US-Europe relations at annual Martin Forum
A career diplomat with more than three decades of experience offers insight into transatlantic diplomacy during a free public lecture at University of Idaho
January 29, 2026
MOSCOW, Idaho — Former U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo Jeff Hovenier will discuss the United States’ relationship with Europe at a free presentation at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, in the Bruce M. Pitman Center International Ballroom on the University of Idaho campus in Moscow.
The Martin Forum address, hosted by the Martin Institute, is part of Hovenier’s weeklong visit to U of I. During his visit, he will also teach a short course on U.S.-Europe relations and meet with students, including those in international studies and political science courses.
“We are excited to welcome Ambassador Hovenier to the Palouse and to tap into his vast knowledge and experience as we explore the U.S.’ evolving relationship with Europe,” said Bill Smith, director of the Martin Institute.
Hovenier is a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center and a career diplomat with more than 34 years in the U.S. Foreign Service. He served as the U.S. ambassador to Kosovo from 2022 to 2024. Before his posting in Kosovo, Hovenier was chargé d’affaires and deputy chief of mission in Turkey and held positions at U.S. embassies in Germany, Peru, Greece, Croatia, Paraguay and Panama, as well as at the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In Washington, D.C., he served on the National Security Council as director for Central and Southeastern European affairs and held multiple positions in the Department of State’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.
Since 1999, the Martin Institute has hosted the Martin Forums, a lecture series focused on international issues. Designed for a nonpartisan audience, these lectures feature experts from the U of I community and beyond. Martin Forum speakers deliver a public lecture, visit classes and meet with campus and community audiences. Topics have covered a variety of issues, including war and peace, human rights and socioeconomics, as well as resources and development.
Media contact
Erin Damman
Clinical associate professor
208-885-0941
damman@uidaho.edu