On 3 September 2024, Mircea Geoană, NATO Deputy Secretary General, announced his decision to step down from the position on 10 September.
Geoană, who has served in the role for nearly five years, has been praised for his contributions to the Alliance, particularly in the areas of technology and emerging security challenges.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg accepted Geoană’s resignation, expressing gratitude for his service. “Mircea has served NATO for nearly five years. His focus on technology and emerging security challenges has been critical to driving innovation in the Alliance. He is a true transatlanticist and his work with partners has greatly benefitted NATO. I wish him all the best for the future,” Stoltenberg said.
Geoană made history as the first Romanian to hold the position of NATO Deputy Secretary General and the first from a country that joined NATO after the Cold War.
His leadership and diplomatic experience have been widely recognised across the Alliance.
Until a permanent successor is appointed, Ambassador Boris Ruge, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy (PASP), will serve as Acting Deputy Secretary General.
