Stoltenberg extended for another year

But apparently the defense alliance is struggling with the successor question. Now the Norwegian will remain at the head of NATO for another year.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg remains in office for another year. That was decided by the 31 countries of the military alliance. The 64-year-old Norwegian tweeted “honoured by the decision of NATO allies to extend my term as Secretary General until October 1, 2024.” In a more dangerous world, the alliance is more important than ever, wrote Stoltenberg.

Successor question apparently still unresolved

Stoltenberg has headed the alliance for almost nine years. He actually wanted to leave office in September 2022, but due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the term of office was extended – until September 2023. However, the question of succession did not seem to be clarified until the NATO summit on July 11 and 12 in Vilnius possible. Most NATO member countries wanted a woman as Secretary General.

Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius had previously spoken out in favor of Stoltenberg extending his term of office. According to media reports, US President Joe Biden is said to have asked him to remain in office.