Mark Rutte, the outgoing Dutch prime minister, has been formally selected as the next NATO Secretary General, the military alliance announced on Wednesday. His appointment comes at a critical juncture as NATO navigates challenges in enhancing its security capabilities while simultaneously aiding Ukraine in its ongoing conflict against Russia.
Rutte, 57, expressed deep gratitude upon his appointment, emphasizing NATO’s crucial role in collective security. “It is a tremendous honor to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO,” Rutte stated. “Leading this organization is a responsibility I do not take lightly.”
He is slated to assume office on October 1, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg, who has served as NATO chief for the past decade. Stoltenberg praised Rutte as a dedicated transatlanticist, strong leader, and adept consensus-builder, wishing him success in strengthening NATO’s mission.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also extended congratulations to Rutte, highlighting his leadership qualities and expressing optimism about continued cooperation under his tenure. “When Mr. Rutte takes over this post from @JensStoltenberg in October, we anticipate that our joint work to ensure the protection of people and freedom throughout our entire Euro-Atlantic community will continue at good pace,” Zelensky affirmed.
As NATO’s Secretary General, Rutte will oversee the alliance’s key committees, serve as its principal spokesperson, and lead its international staff. He steps into the role at a critical juncture as NATO strives to reinforce its defenses while navigating the complexities of the conflict in Ukraine, seeking to balance deterrence with de-escalation efforts vis-à-vis Russia.