Reuters reported that on March 26, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on the US and NATO to unite and avoid "single action" on security, amid rising tensions over the future of the transatlantic alliance and differences in views on Russia.
Speaking at the Warsaw Economic School (Poland), Mr. Rutte emphasized that NATO is the only choice to protect Europe and North America as security challenges grow. This is not the time for individual action, Rutte said.
When asked if the allies can continue to trust the US after moves and views somewhat opposite to Europe, Mr. Rutte affirmed that Washington is still an important partner. They are our largest partner, our largest ally in NATO, Mr. Rutte emphasized.
Mr. Rutte's call for transatlantic solidarity was made just days after the news of US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and US Vice President J.D. Vance expressing dissatisfaction with Europe's over-reliance on the US.
This month, US President Donald Trump also made many European leaders worried that Washington's commitment to protect its NATO ally could be shaken when he said that members of the bloc did not spend enough on defense. The move comes as Europe is trying to strengthen its support for Ukraine.
According to Trump's previous proposal, NATO countries need to spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense - a significant increase compared to the current target of 2%. However, no NATO member, including the US, has reached this number.
Continuing his speech on March 26, Mr. Rutte affirmed that the US will still protect Europe but noted that NATO members must show more responsibility to maintain support from Washington.
Mr. Rutte revealed that the NATO summit in The Hague in June will be an opportunity to build a stronger, fairer alliance. The NATO Secretary General emphasized that more fairness means that all allies must contribute equally.
Although he welcomed Mr Trump's efforts to find peace for Ukraine, Mr Rutte affirmed that there would be no normalization of relations with Russia even if the conflict ended.
Mr. Rutte said that all 32 NATO members are in the same situation as Russia is still considered a significant and direct threat to regional security.
