In his inaugural public dialogue with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) since taking on the position of NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte voiced significant concerns about Europe’s security situation.

Addressing the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, and the Parliament’s delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Rutte cautioned that although Europe is not currently at war, it is also not enjoying peace.

He pointed to various threats, including hostility from countries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, along with ongoing challenges such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, misinformation, and climate change. Rutte stressed the importance of strengthening Europe's defense capabilities to protect its way of life.

'We know how to defend our peoples and the European way of life,' he remarked. 'Now it's time to take action.' He advocated for increased defense spending, enhanced resilience, and ongoing support for Ukraine.

Rutte contended that reinforcing European defense necessitates not only greater expenditure but also more efficient resource allocation and better production of key military assets.

'NATO’s current two percent defense spending target falls short,' he declared. 'To remain secure, NATO allies must invest significantly more.' The NATO Secretary General highlighted the critical role of the European defense industry, commending its efforts but recognizing its inadequacy for current demands.

'The European defense industry is performing commendably, yet we are not meeting our needs,' he commented.

Rutte also linked Europe’s future security to the outcome in Ukraine, warning that a win for Russian President Vladimir Putin would disrupt enduring peace.

'We aspire for lasting peace there. If Putin prevails, peace will not endure,' he stated. He emphasized the urgent need for EU support for Ukraine, adding, 'We are safe now, but this might change in five years.' MEPs raised queries about the EU’s contribution to NATO and broader defense collaborations.

They emphasized that defense encompasses more than military matters, covering international relations, as well as social, economic, and diplomatic efforts.

Concerns were also expressed regarding future collaboration with the upcoming Trump administration in the United States and Türkiye’s place within NATO.

MEPs noted differences among NATO allies on defense issues but stressed the importance of unity for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.

They also pointed out the fragile security situation in the Mediterranean and Western Balkans. The discussion included the need to prevent duplication in military production and expedite the creation of advanced weapon systems.

Several MEPs urged a stronger focus on addressing hybrid threats, particularly on Europe’s eastern flank and in the Western Balkans.

Rutte’s dialogue with MEPs underscored the intricate relationship between NATO and the EU in confronting shared security challenges, as both aim to navigate an increasingly unstable global landscape.