Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been appointed as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg, who has held the position since October 2014. Rutte's appointment comes at a critical time for the largest security organization in the world, with escalating security crises in Europe, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine, and uncertainties regarding the United States' commitment to the alliance.
Rutte was selected by NATO ambassadors during a meeting at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels. His appointment is set to be officially welcomed by US President Joe Biden and other leaders during the NATO summit in Washington from July 9 to 11. Stoltenberg, who has led NATO for over a decade, expressed his support for Rutte, describing him as a 'strong leader and consensus builder.'
The role of NATO Secretary General carries significant responsibilities, including directing sensitive consultations between member states, ensuring smooth operations based on consensus, and implementing decisions on behalf of all members. Despite facing several obstacles, including initial opposition from Hungary and Türkiye, Rutte emerged as the sole candidate after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew from the race.
Russia has stated that it does not expect any changes in NATO's stance following Rutte's appointment. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that NATO remains an adversary in Russia's view, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov highlighted the deteriorating relations between Russia and NATO, emphasizing that dialogue channels have nearly ceased.
- Rutte's journey to becoming NATO Secretary General was not without challenges. Despite support from the White House and major NATO members like Germany, he faced opposition from Hungary and Türkiye, primarily concerning future policies on supporting Ukraine. However, these objections were eventually lifted, clearing the path for his appointment.
- Stoltenberg expressed confidence in Rutte's capabilities, noting his strong support for transatlantic relations. As Rutte prepares to take on his new role on October 1, the focus will be on strengthening NATO to address current and future challenges, ensuring the alliance's stability and effectiveness amid global security threats.
