NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called for unity on Wednesday as European nations boost their military forces and defense industries in response to the United States’ warning that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security moving forward.
Trust among the 32 NATO members has reached a new low. NATO, established 76 years ago to ensure stability in Europe, had its security guarantee largely underwritten by the U.S. However, the Trump administration has shifted U.S. security priorities toward Asia and its own borders.
Rutte emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating, “Let me be absolutely clear, this is not the time to go it alone. Not for Europe or North America.” He stressed that global security challenges are too significant for any nation or region to face independently.
He also reinforced that there is no viable alternative to NATO, even as some allies question the U.S. commitment to the organization’s foundational principle that an attack on one member should be considered an attack on all. Washington, meanwhile, has urged European countries to contribute more to NATO’s military budget rather than relying on the U.S. for financial support.
Rutte’s warning comes as Europe seeks to reduce its security dependence on the United States, much like it worked to cut its reliance on Russian energy following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago. At the same time, Europe is pushing to increase its purchase of European-made military equipment.
Rutte emphasized that while Europe needs to feel secure knowing the U.S. has its back, America must also trust that its NATO allies will contribute fully, without limitations or capability gaps. “It’s only fair. Reassurance is a two-way street,” he stated.
His remarks come just ahead of a visit to Greenland by U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Tensions have risen among allies after President Donald Trump suggested that military action could be used to seize Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, which is part of both NATO and the European Union. This stance has caused significant unease among many of the U.S.’s allies.
Rutte expressed strong confidence in the U.S. commitment to NATO’s Article 5 security guarantee, affirming that nothing can replace America’s nuclear deterrent, which remains the ultimate security assurance. While the UK and France also possess nuclear weapons, their arsenals are much smaller in comparison.
When asked about the possibility of U.S. forces defending an ally under attack by Russia, former President Trump replied on March 13, “We’ll make sure it doesn’t happen.” He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong and relevant NATO.
Looking ahead to a summit in the Netherlands in June, Rutte is optimistic that the meeting will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the transatlantic alliance. He envisions a stronger, fairer, and more formidable NATO to confront an increasingly dangerous world.
Rutte also noted that new defense spending targets would be set, with the aim of exceeding the current guideline of 2% of GDP. He believes the new target will be “well north of 3%.”
During talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier on Wednesday, Rutte reiterated NATO’s commitment to Poland and other member countries, warning Russia that any attack would prompt a “devastating” response from the alliance.
Tusk emphasized the importance of being prepared for any potential outcome from the ongoing talks between Russia and the United States aimed at resolving the three-year-long conflict in Ukraine.
NATO members on the eastern side of the alliance, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, are deeply concerned that the talks could lead to an agreement favorable to Russia. They fear such a result would enable Putin to strengthen his forces and potentially pose future threats to other countries in the region.
Rutte responded firmly, asserting that neither Putin nor anyone else should believe they could escape consequences from such actions.
He stated, “If anyone miscalculates and thinks they can attack Poland or any other ally, they will face the full force of this strong alliance. Our response will be devastating. This must be clear to Vladimir Putin and anyone else who considers aggression against us.”
