Mark Rutte to become NATO's new Secretary General tomorrow
- 30.09.2024, 12:14
His main mission has been revealed.
On Tuesday, October 1, Mark Rutte will officially take office as NATO Secretary General. He will replace Jens Stoltenberg, who has led the alliance for the past ten years.
RBC-Ukraine reported by citing Reuters.
Rutte, a former Dutch Prime Minister, will face a number of serious challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, growing uncertainty in US policy, and threats from Russia.
Rutte, known for his coalition-building skills developed during his 14-year leadership of the Netherlands, will have to strengthen the unity of NATO, which consists of 32 member states.
The new leader's main tasks include supporting Kyiv, increasing defence spending by alliance members, and maintaining US involvement in European security. Key challenges for Rutte include Donald Trump's possible return to the US presidency and increased demands from Eastern European allies to strengthen their defence against Russia.
Rutte will also have to deal with Ukraine's requests for additional military assistance.
NATO officials expect Rutte to continue to adhere to Stoltenberg's strategic priorities, maintaining a focus on European security and supporting Ukraine.
Strengthening NATO's eastern flank
In his new post, Rutte will face increasing pressure from Eastern European allies to provide greater protection against Russia. Strengthening the alliance's eastern flank, including the deployment of additional forces and air defence systems, has become a key issue on his agenda.
As former Slovak Ambassador to NATO Peter Bátor noted, one of Rutte's main tasks will be to decide on NATO's future ambitions on the eastern flank. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NATO's troop numbers in the east have doubled, but Eastern countries are insisting on additional reinforcements.
The NATO Secretary General must convince the leaders of the member states, making decisions based on consensus. According to former NATO speaker Oana Lungescu, Rutte's main goal is not only to reach a compromise, but also to move the Alliance forward in the face of new threats.
Rutte - the new NATO Secretary General
Jens Stoltenberg has repeatedly expressed his desire to leave the post of NATO Secretary General, but finding a worthy replacement has proven difficult.
NATO member states considered various options to replace Stoltenberg, including the candidacy of British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, but this was not supported in the United States.
Ultimately, former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was elected as the new NATO Secretary General.