Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is set to become the next NATO secretary general after his only remaining rival, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, withdrew from the race.
Rutte has been one of the driving forces of Europe’s military aid for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. He has been the preferred candidate for most of the alliance’s members, including the largest contributor, the United States.
Any candidate needs the support of all 32 countries to win the seat. One of the biggest hurdles for his selection was opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who maintains ties with Moscow.
However, earlier this week, Orban gave the greenlight to his candidacy in response to Rutte’s assurance of supporting Hungary’s stance that it would not provide personnel or financial aid to Ukraine.
European media outlets say his appointment could be sealed in the coming days.
Rutte will take over for the incumbent chief Jens Stoltenberg, who had a decade-long tenure, in October.
However, he may face a serious challenge just weeks later if former US President Donald Trump wins the presidential race again. Trump has threatened to cut US aid to Ukraine.