Romania has notified other NATO members that it intends to nominate its president as a candidate for the position of secretary general of the defense alliance, according to European officials.
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte remains the clear favorite for the post, as the US, Germany and Britain backed him to lead the 31-member alliance once Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s term ends in October.
European and American officials said Romania’s push would likely only prolong the process before Rutte ultimately wins the bid.