The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, could become NATO secretary general in October, according to a report by the British newspaper The Sun.
Citing a ‘diplomatic source’, the publication says it could happen even if von der Leyen’s term does not end until next year. At the same time, the current head of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, has been in office for 9 years, and will leave him definitively in September.
Von der Leyen’s nomination has reportedly been proposed by several countries, with the UK able to veto the nomination. The report says London does not see von der Leyen as a suitable candidate, as she has not served as German defense minister long enough.
NATO does not hold formal elections for the Secretary General, the new leader is appointed by consensus of the 30 countries that make up the alliance.
