Mark Rutte, the former Dutch prime minister, officially assumed his role as NATO’s new secretary general today, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg during a handover ceremony in Brussels. In his inaugural address to NATO members, Rutte emphasized that his primary focus will be “to keep NATO strong and ensure our defenses remain effective and credible against all threats.”
Rutte also committed to enhancing support for Ukraine and bringing it “ever closer to NATO,” reinforcing the consistent messaging from his predecessor that Ukraine will eventually join the alliance, even though a specific timeline for membership remains unclear. This transition occurs amidst Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russia, now entering a third winter of conflict, with Russian forces making territorial gains in parts of eastern Ukraine.
“Supporting Ukraine is the right thing to do and an investment in our own security, because an independent and democratic Ukraine is vital for peace and stability in Europe,” Rutte stated to the media after the ceremony. He noted, “The cost of supporting Ukraine is far, far lower than the cost we would face if we allow Putin to get his way.”
As Rutte assumes leadership, he faces a geopolitical dilemma regarding military support for Ukraine. Despite Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s intense lobbying, the U.S. has still not permitted Kyiv to use Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) long-range weapons against targets within Russia. Similarly, the UK has denied the use of MBDA Storm Shadow long-range missiles for targeting significant Russian assets.
“I understand Ukraine’s request … but in the end, it is up to each ally to decide what they want to do,” Rutte explained. He acknowledged the substantial contributions of fellow allies, particularly highlighting U.S. support as crucial for Ukraine’s survival. “Let’s be clear, Ukraine likely would not exist as a country today without U.S. support,” he added.
U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed Rutte to his new position, referring to him as a “consensus-builder and decisive leader.” Biden expressed full confidence in Rutte’s ability to enhance NATO’s strength and unity.
In his remarks, Rutte underscored the necessity for “significantly more defense spending” across the alliance, advocating for better-equipped forces, a more robust transatlantic defense industry, and greater investment in innovation and secure supply chains. He has previously faced criticism for the Netherlands’ failure to meet the NATO spending target of 2% of GDP during his tenure, acknowledging, “We should have done this earlier.” Current forecasts indicate that the Netherlands is set to reach this target this year, having committed an additional €2.4 billion ($2.7 billion) to defense, raising its annual military spending to €24 billion.
While pushing for increased defense budgets among NATO allies, Rutte recognized the ongoing efforts to invest in new military equipment, including plans for thousands of air defense systems, hundreds of modern aircraft, primarily fifth-generation F-35 jets, and substantial high-end capabilities.
Warning China, Rutte stated that Beijing “cannot continue to fuel the largest conflict in Europe since the Second World War without it impacting its interests and reputation.” He pointed out China’s support of Russia’s military industry, noting U.S. assessments that China has contributed to Moscow’s military capabilities.
On matters pertaining to the European Union, Rutte indicated the potential to enhance cooperation with the bloc, especially in supporting Ukraine and countering hybrid warfare threats. He also aims to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific partners, announcing that Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea will participate in a NATO defense ministerial meeting for the first time later this month.
Having earned the nickname “Teflon Mark” for his ability to navigate political challenges without scandal, Rutte is known for his talent in fostering unlikely partnerships. Patrick Bolder, a defense analyst from the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, remarked on Rutte’s knack for ensuring that the machinery of alliances and partnerships operates smoothly, likening him to the „little oil man” who „greases all the wheels.”