Rutte will become new NATO Secretary General tomorrow: His main mission revealed
Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
On Tuesday, October 1, Mark Rutte will officially take office as NATO Secretary General, replacing Jens Stoltenberg, who led the alliance for the past ten years, citing Reuters.
Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, will face a range of serious challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, growing uncertainty in US politics, and threats from Russia.
Known for his coalition-building skills honed during his 14-year leadership of the Netherlands, Rutte will need to strengthen unity within NATO, which comprises 32 member countries.
Key tasks for the new leader include supporting Kyiv, increasing defense spending among alliance members, and maintaining US engagement in European security. Among Rutte's significant challenges is the potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency and the heightened demands of Eastern European allies for strengthened protection against Russia.
Additionally, Rutte will have to address Ukraine's requests for additional military assistance.
NATO officials expect Rutte to continue following Stoltenberg's strategic priorities, keeping the focus on European security and supporting Ukraine.
Strengthening NATO's eastern flank
In his new position, Rutte will face growing pressure from Eastern European allies demanding greater protection against Russia. Reinforcing NATO's eastern flank, including the deployment of additional forces and air defense systems, has become central to his agenda.
According to former Slovak Ambassador to NATO Peter Bator, one of Rutte’s primary tasks will be deciding on NATO’s future ambitions on the eastern flank. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NATO troop numbers in the east have doubled, but eastern countries are pushing for further reinforcement.
The NATO Secretary General must persuade member leaders, making decisions based on consensus. According to former NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu, Rutte’s main goal will be not only to reach compromises but also to move the alliance forward in the face of new threats.
Rutte – NATO's new secretary general
Jens Stoltenberg repeatedly expressed his desire to step down as NATO Secretary General, but finding a suitable replacement proved difficult.
NATO member countries considered various candidates to succeed Stoltenberg, including UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, but the US did not back his candidacy.
Ultimately, the former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was chosen as the new NATO Secretary General.
What is known about the new NATO Secretary General and his stance on Ukraine is detailed in RBC-Ukraine’s report.
