The EC denies speculation that von der Leyen is a candidate for NATO Secretary General

Ursula von der Leyen/ Photo Derek French / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Layen he is not in the running to be the next head of NATO, a spokesman for the commission told DPA today.

The reports in Britain's Sun newspaper are "baseless speculation," a spokesman said in response to a question from DPA.

The Sun, citing a diplomatic source, reported that Von der Leyen is in the race to succeed the current head of the Alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, and was supposed to take over the position from October.

The British newspaper also reported from its sources that the British government will veto von der Leyen's appointment based on perceived mistakes during her tenure as German defense minister.

Stoltenberg's term was extended to September 30, 2023 in March last year, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.

The highest NATO official held the post for almost nine years, and his mandate was extended three times, DPA reported.

There has been recent speculation that the 63-year-old's term could be extended again because of the conflict in Ukraine, although at the same time, diplomats point out that this could give the impression that NATO cannot agree on a new head of the organization.

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