Brussels – Jens Stoltenberg has officially handed over the onerous baton of the Atlantic Alliance to Mark Rutte. As of today (Oct. 1), the former Dutch prime minister is NATO’s new secretary general. The new course begins in the vein of what was done in Stoltenberg’s second term: Rutte made clear from NATO headquarters in Brussels that the priorities remain Ukraine, increased military spending, and strengthening alliances worldwide.
Stoltenberg himself, in a joint press point, outlined the skills “of his friend and colleague” Rutte: “He knows NATO well and is well known in all countries,” but more importantly, “he has been prime minister for 14 years and has led four different coalition governments” in the Netherlands. He is familiar with compromise, a skill required to be at the helm of a military alliance of 32 states.
Before leaving, Stoltenberg claimed credit: “I leave knowing that we have achieved a lot together,” he said. Notably, accompanied by the international geopolitical environment, NATO now has 23 countries that have reached the target of 2 per cent of GDP in defence spending. “NATO has changed as the world has changed,” the now-former secretary general said again.
Europe has rediscovered itself as vulnerable, first with Donald Trump in the White House, who threatened to close the stars-and-stripes “umbrella” protection of the old continent, then with the outbreak of conflict on the doorstep of the European Union. Ukraine “must prevail” remains the priority, Rutte made clear. As argued by his predecessor, to fight its war of self-defence, Kyiv “has the right to strike legitimate targets in Russia.” However, “it is up to each partner state to decide” on arms restrictions.
To drive back the Russian threat and restore some balance on the international chessboard, the Atlantic Alliance “must spend and invest more and try to achieve its goals.” Thus, paradoxically, the “frugal” Dutchman Rutte, who as premier fought to close the Brussels taps to Italy, will now have to insist that Italy—along with Belgium, Croatia, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain—spend more on its defence.
For this to happen, Rutte will be able to count on the agenda of the new EU legislature, which is determined to restore centrality to the defence industry in the 27 member countries. “The EU is a unique and essential partner of NATO,” the secretary general stressed, “its defence efforts are welcome.” But “no one wants the EU to duplicate what NATO is already doing.” Military coordination is the prerogative of the Atlantic Alliance, regardless of the US elections in November and a possible return of the tycoon to the White House.
On the contrary, Rutte highlighted the merits of President Trump, who “pushed us to spend more” and “opened our eyes” to the risks of the relationship with China. “I am not worried. I know both candidates very well,” Rutte closed the topic diplomatically.
China, Iran, and North Korea, which support Moscow’s war effort and, in return, “receive support for the development of nuclear programs,” will be a problem for Rutte. Therefore, the latest priority the newly appointed secretary-general identified is the urgency of “building alliances around the world.” Deepen partnerships in the Middle East, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific. This is Rutte’s strategy from an anti-Russia perspective.
Rutte’s premiere, best wishes from EU leaders
Leaders of European institutions welcomed the new appointment of Rutte, who has walked the corridors of the Brussels buildings many times in his years as Prime Minister of the Netherlands. “Your leadership will be crucial for the Alliance’s role in our Euro-Atlantic security and our firm support for Ukraine,” said Ursula von der Leyen, launching an appeal to “further strengthen the EU-NATO partnership.”
Charles Michel immediately took up the appeal and said, “The deep EU-NATO cooperation is critical in our changing global environment.” Roberta Metsola, after thanking Jens Stoltenberg “for a decade of unwavering commitment to global security,” said she was convinced that Mark Rutte’s “leadership and tenacity will only strengthen EU-Atlantic unity.”
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
