Stoltenberg to stay on as NATO chief another year

Jens Stoltenberg is set to stay on as NATO’s chief for another year, four people familiar with the decision told POLITICO.

A U.S. official said the secretary general’s leadership extension is “a done deal.” Asked if that was the case, a senior diplomat from Western Europe said “yes,” adding it “will be formalized next week.” A senior diplomat from Eastern Europe and a senior NATO official also confirmed there is consensus within the alliance for an extension.

The officials were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to preview the move before the official announcement. A spokesperson for NATO didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

The move to retain Stoltenberg was widely rumored and expected ahead of a major NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania next month, billed as one of the most important alliance gatherings in years amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Allies wanted to make a decision on whether to keep the secretary general in place or find new leadership before the July 11-12 meeting, which comes as Ukraine’s counteroffensive stalls and after a rebellion last weekend by Russian Wagner Group mercenaries exposed the largest crack in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime in two decades.

Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, has been serving as NATO’s chief since 2014 and has already had his mandate extended multiple times. Allies spent months mulling a successor, with leaders such as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace under consideration, before opting to stick with the current secretary general.

The Times of London reported Wednesday that an announcement is coming “as soon as next week” that Stoltenberg will stay on.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has played a major role in the decision, with a number of capitals preferring to maintain the experienced politician, known for his careful rhetoric, during a politically sensitive time for the alliance.

Stoltenberg himself has long maintained he was not actively lobbying to stay in Brussels.

Asked about his plans at a press conference on Tuesday, he insisted his view had not changed.

“When it comes to myself, I have made my position clear many, many times,” he said. “I don't seek an extension, and that is what I’ve stated many times before,” he added.

Asked about an extension, a senior diplomat from northern Europe said: “I believe we are getting there, and all allies would clearly want to see him continue.”

“He is the best person to be secretary general, not least given the difficult security environment we are in. Hopefully, we will have some good news next week,” the diplomat said.