In a recent announcement by NATO, Radmila Šekerinska from North Macedonia has been appointed as the next Deputy Secretary General of the Alliance. This decision was made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and was publicly communicated on Tuesday by NATO’s press office.
Šekerinska, a prominent figure in North Macedonian politics, has previously served as Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration and as the country’s Defence Minister. Her tenure in the latter role was particularly significant as she played a central part in guiding North Macedonia into NATO, which it joined in 2020.
“I am pleased to announce Radmila Šekerinska as the next Deputy Secretary General of NATO,” stated Rutte. “Her commitment to NATO’s mission is unwavering, and she has firsthand experience of the work required for NATO accession, as well as a deep understanding of what it means to be a full-fledged member. I look forward to collaborating with her in this critical role.”
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Šekerinska voiced strong support for NATO’s eastward expansion, dismissing Russian assertions that such moves by the Alliance constituted a “sinister Western plot.” Her stance aligns with NATO’s ongoing efforts to bolster security and stability within its Eastern European member states, an area of heightened importance given recent geopolitical tensions.
Šekerinska is set to take office by the end of the year. In her role as Deputy Secretary General, she will be responsible for acting as a stand-in for the Secretary General as needed, which includes chairing sessions of the North Atlantic Council (NAC). The NAC convenes twice weekly and includes ambassadors from NATO’s 32 member countries. She will also oversee NATO-Ukraine Council meetings, as well as other extraordinary sessions.
The appointment marks a significant moment for NATO, not only because Šekerinska hails from a former Eastern Bloc nation, but also because her leadership reflects NATO’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in its high-ranking positions. This choice aligns with broader public expectations, as highlighted in previous comments by former NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu, who noted that there was growing public interest in seeing a woman from Eastern Europe appointed to a senior position within the Alliance.
Šekerinska succeeds Mircea Geoană, who recently resigned from his post as Deputy Secretary General to pursue a presidential bid in Romania.
Šekerinska’s appointment is expected to further solidify NATO’s stance in support of Eastern European security and reflects the Alliance’s dedication to incorporating a diverse range of experiences and perspectives at its highest levels. Her experience in leading a nation through the NATO accession process will provide her with unique insights, particularly valuable as NATO continues to navigate complex security challenges.
