Jens Stoltenberg to Co-Chair Munich Security Conference While Remaining Norway's Finance Minister

Former Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and former OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will lead the Munich Security Conference as co-chairs. The decision was made unanimously by the Foundation Council. The pair will take over the duties of long-time chairman Wolfgang Ischinger in time for the 63rd conference scheduled for February 2027. Stoltenberg had previously been announced as the successor to Christoph Heusgen, but he withdrew from the top position to serve as Norway's Finance Minister after being asked by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Stoltenberg stated that serving as Finance Minister in Norway is his primary priority. He noted that the role allows him to focus on Norwegian politics while maintaining a connection to the conference, which he described as a vital meeting place for Europe and North America. Prime Minister Støre expressed satisfaction with Stoltenberg's decision to prioritize the government role, noting that Stoltenberg's network remains an asset for Norway.

While the facts of the appointment are consistent, the framing of the event varies by political lean. A center-right source frames the move as a patriotic choice to prioritize national service over a foreign job. A center-left source focuses on the resolution of a leadership vacancy and the qualifications of the new co-chairs. A center source frames the event as Stoltenberg reneging on his original plan to take the top job.