Mark Rutte defends Alliance unity amid Greenland strategic debate
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the era of European reliance on U.S. military spending has ended, calling a 5% GDP defense threshold a "strategic necessity."
Speaking at the Global Europe Forum on January 13, Rutte emphasized that Russian aggression and shifting dynamics in the Arctic require a fundamental realignment of European responsibility.
Arctic sovereignty and the Greenland question
Addressing concerns over U.S. strategic interest in Greenland, Rutte dismissed rumors of internal friction. He noted that all seven NATO members in the Arctic region agree on the urgent need to bolster defenses as melting ice opens new maritime routes for Russian and Chinese expansion.
The Secretary General praised Denmark’s recent €12.9 billion investment in regional security. These funds have procured F-35 fighter jets, long-range drones, and specialized Arctic patrol vessels designed to protect the Alliance's northern flank.
The end of security outsourcing
"The period where we conveniently let the United States carry the burden of our security is over," Rutte stated. While affirming Washington's commitment, he argued that the demand for Europe and Canada to increase their share of collective defense is both fair and overdue.
Rutte identified Russia as the primary threat, citing its mobilized defense industry and a persistent pattern of cyberattacks and sabotage. He further warned of the deepening military cooperation between Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, and Pyongyang.
Defense dividends and Ukraine’s security
The NATO chief linked increased spending to economic growth, asserting that investments in AI, space capabilities, and missile production create high-quality jobs. He described these as "real defense dividends" that strengthen both security and the economy.
Rutte reaffirmed that Ukraine’s security remains inseparable from that of the Euro-Atlantic area. He confirmed that daily military aid continues, alongside long-term security guarantees designed to deter future Russian incursions.
A unified future for the Alliance
Responding to Romanian MEP Dan Barna regarding the Alliance's integrity, Rutte humorously dismissed fears that he might be the "last" Secretary General. He rejected the concept of a "two-speed NATO," insisting the organization is stronger now than ever before.
He concluded by noting that the historical imbalance in defense spending is finally being corrected. This shift, according to Rutte, ensures that NATO remains a robust deterrent against any global adversary.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
