Romanian President Klaus Iohannis wants to lead NATO, Romanian diplomats notified counterparts in the defense alliance on Thursday.
Mr. Iohannis is considering challenging frontrunner Mark Rutte for the NATO top job, the diplomats said.
The Romanian president’s last-minute move, which comes after years of speculation in Romania, comes after the U.S., the UK, Germany and France have already declared support for Rutte as the next leader of the military alliance.
Eastern European countries are reportedly annoyed by what they see as Mr. Rutte’s lack of incentive in reaching out to nations on the border with Russia.
By nominating Mr. Iohannis, Romania is confident of the president’s leadership capabilities but also defining its role and aspirations within NATO.
The move indicates Romania’s aspirations to play a key role in the alliance’s future direction at a time when the 31-member military alliance is focusing on boosting its its eastern flank.
Mr. Iohannis is known for his pro-European and pro-American stance and support of strong defense policies. His nomination which hasn’t officially been confirmed in Bucharest reflects a new strategic positioning and a desire to guide the collective defense narrative.
Some 10 countries remain undecided, including some Eastern European nations who share strategic concerns with Russia-skeptic Romania.
Two NATO diplomats with knowledge of the development confirmed the Romanian move to which was first reported by Bloomberg.
The Romanian presidential office has not commented. Mr. Iohannis, who was elected in 2014, steps down as president this year after two terms.
NATO is already facing the potential return of Donald Trump as U.S. president. Mr. Trump recently threatened to weaken the collective defense stipulated by NATO.
