NATO Agrees To Extend Jens Stoltenberg’s Term for Another Year

(Photo : EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Jens Stoltenberg was given another year in command of NATO after potential successors, including Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, failed to garner sufficient support.

After struggling to find a replacement in the shadow of Russia's conflict in Ukraine, NATO's members extended the tenure of alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg by one year.

The announcement comes one week before a NATO summit in Lithuania, which will be dominated by the Western military alliance's response to the conflict and Ukraine's drive for membership.

NATO Extends Jens Stoltenberg's Term

After disagreeing on an apparent replacement, NATO countries decided to extend the term of the former Norwegian prime minister, who has led the organization since 2014. Other prospective candidates, such as the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and the British Defense Minister Ben Wallace, have recently withdrawn from the race.

Frederiksen appeared to meet the criteria of some European allies as a potential first female leader and an EU citizen, according to NDTV. However, NATO nations on the alliance's eastern flank advocated for a leader from their region to emphasize a harsher posture towards Russia.

Wallace volunteered, but numerous NATO allies wanted a former chief of state or government in command, and France insisted on a candidate from an EU nation.

The United States and other key allies strongly support Stoltenberg, whose term was prolonged by a year shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Stoltenberg's current term was extended by another year shortly after the invasion.

Having previously indicated that he would quit the position in September, he changed his mind on Tuesday and stated that he had agreed to extend his mandate by one year, to October 2024. In a tweet, Stoltenberg confirmed what had become apparent: "Honored by #NATO Allies' decision to extend my term as Secretary General until 1 October 2024."

His reappointment removes a contentious issue from the agenda of the annual NATO summit scheduled for Vilnius, Lithuania, the following week. The meeting is intended to demonstrate trans-Atlantic unity and solidarity in support of Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion, as per NY Times.

NATO Allies Divided Over Successor

The Biden administration has been unenthusiastic about other candidates for the position as the war in Ukraine continues to rage, and France and other members of the European Union had made it clear that they would not accept a non-EU figure, such as British defense secretary Ben Wallace, in the position.

The prime minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, traveled to Washington last month to meet with President Biden and American officials. However, she later announced that she was no longer a candidate for NATO secretary general and would support Stoltenberg if he was willing to extend his tenure.

Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, has served in his current position since 2014 and has extended his term thrice. Through his placid demeanor, public humility, and ability to navigate the demands of an organization with 31 consensus-driven member states, he has earned the confidence of allies, particularly Washington.

He was especially lauded for his ability to collaborate with former President Donald J. Trump, whose disdain for NATO was frequently on exhibit. Stoltenberg is expected to preside over his final summit in Washington next year, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of NATO. Unless he is once again urged to extend his mandate.

UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Stoltenberg's stewardship of NATO following the extension of his term. Under Stoltenberg, the alliance has "evolved to meet new threats" and has been "steadfast in support of Ukraine," according to Sunak.

Stoltenberg stated that he was "honored" by the decision and that "in a more perilous world, our alliance is more vital than ever."

According to The Independent, Sunak stated at the routine Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that Wallace was an "outstanding candidate" for the position.

The official spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that Sunak told the meeting of his top team that the Defense Secretary is "widely respected among world leaders and the only non-leader to be considered" for the position of alliance leader.

However, according to the spokesman, Sunak believes Stoltenberg has done an "outstanding job" commanding NATO and "will continue to have the support of the United Kingdom" in the position.