Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has been mentioned as a candidate for the role of NATO Secretary General by several Alliance members. A British newspaper reports that her bid is being discussed across different capitals, signaling a potential shift in leadership for the alliance. The Sun suggests that while some countries may view her record with scrutiny, she remains a prominent figure considered for the top position within NATO.
The publication notes that the United Kingdom might oppose von der Leyen’s candidacy due to what is described as a “weak track record” from her time as German Defense Minister from December 2013 to July 2019. The claim reflects a broader debate about the best leadership fit for the North Atlantic Alliance at a time of ongoing security challenges in Europe and beyond. The Sun cites the perspective of key political figures and officials who weigh her experience against the alliance’s evolving priorities.
In addition to von der Leyen, the paper highlights other potential contenders who have publicly weighed in on the matter. British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, reportedly supported by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is mentioned as someone who sees the NATO role as central to keeping the alliance cohesive. The piece also references Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as part of the broader conversation about leadership at NATO. These discussions reflect the diverse range of views across member states about future strategic directions and command responsibilities.
The Estonian leader is quoted as emphasizing the importance of countering threats from Russia near national borders, underscoring the ongoing concern about security in the Baltic region and the wider European perimeter. Freeland’s background, including her Ukrainian connections, is noted as part of the broader context of Canada’s role within the alliance and its defense spending commitments. The Sun also points out that Canada’s adherence to the alliance’s guidance on defense spending—specifically the 2 percent of GDP target—has been a topic of debate among member states, which could influence assessments of any Canadian candidate’s viability for a top NATO post.
Earlier reporting from March indicated that an Italian newspaper suggested von der Leyen could pursue the NATO leadership if her position as European Commission president were to end or change. This possibility adds to the dynamic discussions about how the alliance might refresh or reorient its leadership to address current and emerging security demands across the transatlantic partnership.
Additionally, The New York Times has discussed the potential for a different successor scenario, noting that Chrystia Freeland could be viewed by some U.S. observers as a plausible candidate following Jens Stoltenberg’s tenure, with Stoltenberg’s term having a defined end. The evolving narrative around who might lead NATO reflects shifting geopolitical priorities, including European defense coordination, transatlantic unity, and the alliance’s capacity to adapt to new strategic challenges in the 2020s and beyond.