NATO extends Stoltenberg’s term by a year. NATO extended Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s tenure by a year on Tuesday rather than choose a successor as war rages on its borders.
Since 2014, former Norwegian prime minister Stoltenberg has led the transatlantic security alliance, extending his term thrice.
The decision ensures continuity in NATO’s leadership as its 31 members struggle to defend Ukraine in rejecting Moscow’s invasion without directly fighting Russia.
The alliance views Stoltenberg, 64, as a stable leader and careful consensus-builder.
Stoltenberg tweeted that the extension to October 1, 2024, honored him.
“The transatlantic bond between Europe and North America has ensured our freedom and security for nearly 75 years, and in a more dangerous world, our Alliance is more important than ever,” he said.
Diplomats and analysts praise Stoltenberg for keeping NATO united over Ukraine, balancing those who wanted full backing for Kyiv and those who wanted to avoid a worldwide war.
NATO member states have rationally concluded that their secretary-general is the best available. “Experience matters, especially at one of NATO’s most challenging times,” said Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official currently at the Chatham House research tank.
After decades of campaigns in Afghanistan and the Balkans, his next duty is to refocus NATO forces on protecting against Russian attacks.
He will also have to resolve disagreements over NATO’s role in Asia, with the US wanting NATO to confront China and France wanting it to focus on the North Atlantic.
Stoltenberg was lauded for steering NATO through serious transatlantic instability under Donald Trump, who openly considered leaving NATO.
In February, Stoltenberg stated he would not seek a further extension, and several NATO officials thought this year was the ideal moment to change leadership.
Diplomats and politicians discussed successors. Some thought the alliance needed a female boss. Eastern European first secretaries were advocated for.
British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said he wanted it. Diplomats took Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen seriously despite her official denial.
Diplomats claimed no successor was developing as the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, approached on July 11 and 12. NATO, led by the US, returned to Stoltenberg.
Shea said NATO needs to address succession planning and find someone who reflects its future image and direction and fosters connections with other organizations like the EU.
Comment Template