Italy Accuses NATO’s Stoltenberg of Betrayal Over New Southern Envoy Appointment

ROME – Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has accused NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg of betraying Rome by not appointing an Italian to a newly created position meant to coordinate NATO’s actions on its southern flank. This position was established earlier this month at the request of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had anticipated that an Italian would be appointed to the role.

NATO has yet to officially announce the appointment, but Crosetto revealed to La Stampa newspaper that Stoltenberg had nominated a Spaniard for the position. Crosetto took this decision as a “nearly a personal affront” and expressed his anger in a strongly worded message to Stoltenberg.

“His was a betrayal of a principle. It was Italy that had fought to create the role of envoy for the southern front,” Crosetto stated, indicating that Stoltenberg had opposed the creation of the new role and had retaliated against Italy by not appointing an Italian.

The NATO press office, when asked about Crosetto’s criticism, stated, “NATO will announce any appointment in due course,” declining to comment further on the minister’s remarks.

This unusual outburst from a NATO member against the head of the military alliance underscores the tension surrounding the appointment. Italy had heavily lobbied for the creation of the role, aiming to enhance NATO’s focus on the Mediterranean and southern Europe, regions that Rome considers strategically crucial.

Crosetto’s criticism comes shortly before Stoltenberg’s scheduled departure from his position, with former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte set to take over on October 1. When asked if he expected the role to be reassigned to Italy after Stoltenberg’s departure, Crosetto stated he hoped it would be given “to the best person.”

This controversy highlights the ongoing complexities within NATO as member states vie for influence and recognition of their strategic priorities within the alliance.