Expectations for Stoltenberg's Term Extension by Another Year

An informed source and a U.S. official stated that NATO is expected to ask Jens Stoltenberg to remain in the position of Secretary General for another year, as the alliance finds it difficult to decide on a successor ahead of the upcoming summit in mid-July in Lithuania. Stoltenberg's term has already been extended three times, and he is set to leave the position in September after serving for nine years. The source, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that the Norwegian Stoltenberg enjoys considerable support from NATO members and is successfully performing his leadership duties. The U.S. official, who also requested not to be named, noted that "the Biden administration has started to accept the idea of Stoltenberg staying for another year." He added, "There does not seem to be a consensus at this time within the alliance on a replacement for him." The likelihood of NATO asking Stoltenberg for a fourth term extension has increased as the summit in Vilnius approaches, with members concerned about showing division amid ongoing efforts to address Russia's war in Ukraine.