Tarja Jaakkola, Director General of the Resource Policy Department at Finland’s Ministry of Defense, has been appointed as Assistant Secretary General for Defense Investment at NATO. Her appointment was confirmed on August 22, 2024, by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Jaakkola will assume her new duties on September 2, 2024, marking a significant step in NATO-Finland relations, especially considering Finland’s recent membership in the alliance.
Controversy Surrounding the Appointment
This appointment, however, has sparked discussions due to the prior consideration of Polish Ambassador to NATO, Tomasz Szatkowski, for the same position. Szatkowski was seen as a strong candidate, but his credibility was questioned following allegations made by Poland’s Minister for Special Services Coordination, Tomasz Siemoniak, about potential security concerns. This development likely influenced Stoltenberg’s final decision.
Jaakkola expressed her satisfaction with the appointment, emphasizing the importance of defense materials, industry, and allied cooperation in NATO’s deterrence and defense strategies. Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen also highlighted the significance of this nomination, especially as Finland is a recent NATO member. This move underlines Finland’s growing influence within the alliance.