NATO News
NATO Secretary General speech at European Defence Exhibition & Conference, 12 MAR 2026
- Title
- NATO Secretary General speech at European Defence Exhibition & Conference, 12 MAR 2026
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Speech by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Gala Dinner of the European Defence Exhibition & Conference (BEDEX 2026) in Brussels, 12 March 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Good evening. And first of all, let me acknowledge the presence of so many ambassadors, so your excellencies, Bill White and Matt Whitaker, my friends from the United States. But also so many others here, the generals and Admiral, great that you're here, Theo, and, of course, all the other participants and the men and women in uniform. A really good evening. It's really great to be here. I feel very, very excited.
And again, I want to thank Theo, and I want to thank Belgium for this first important edition of the Brussels European Defence Exhibition.
Today’s event, BEDEX, is a première. An important event. And indeed that is, Theo, why it is my second visit today. I spent some time talking to companies at their stands earlier this afternoon, so this ev...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General panel remarks at European Defence Exhibition & Conference, 12 MAR 2026
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Panel remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the European Defence Exhibition & Conference (BEDEX 2026) in Brussels, 12 March 2026.
Transcript:
Cindy Dubois (Moderator)
Gentlemen, thank you for being with us. As requested by you, we will feed this debate with questions from the audience. But before, first, let me start with a very short question. Secretary General, NATO’s deterrence now depends as much on industrial capacity as on military capacity. This room brings together leaders from across the world, from defence industrial companies. What are the key messages that you would like to give them and that you would like to share with them today?
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
Thank you so much for hosting and for organising this and before I answer the question, let me just say that I'm proud of what Belgium is doing under the leadership of Bart De Wever and Theo Francken. Indeed, ‘Belgium is back’ – i...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General opening remarks at European Defence Exhibition & Conference, 12 MAR 2026
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the European Defence Exhibition & Conference (BEDEX 2026) in Brussels, 12 March 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Well, first of all, Prime Minister de Wever, beste Bart, congratulations to you and the entire team for hosting this first ever Brussels European Defence Exhibition. Theo, also to you and all the others being involved here. This is a huge event, I'm very excited to be here, because this is first of all a great opportunity for the defence industry in Belgium, across Europe, North America, and also the rest of the world, to get together, to build ties, and also to showcase all the innovations going on.
I'm also excited to see the capabilities and the technologies here at BEDEX and to meet the people behind them. Your work is essential. It is essential for our security. And of course, that's why I'm here today, because this is my job.
The world is more dangerous. So ...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General with Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova 🇲🇩 Mihai Popșoi, 11 MAR 2026
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, 11 March 2026.
On Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Mihai Popșoi to NATO Headquarters, where he participated in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council.
Mr Rutte emphasised that NATO and Moldova have been partners for over 30 years and that their political dialogue and practical cooperation have increased significantly. The Secretary General praised Moldova's resilience in the face of Russian malign interference and threats. He thanked Moldova for its valuable contributions to peace and security, including its contribution to KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. Mr Rutte also highlighted Moldova’s staunch support to Ukraine.
The Alliance continues to support Moldova to modernise its defence institutions, to strengt...
- Title
- North Macedonia 🇲🇰 is a highly valued NATO Ally that contributes to our shared security in many ways
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- A pleasure to be in beautiful Skopje 🇲🇰. North Macedonia is a highly valued Ally that contributes to our shared security in many ways, supporting NATO’s deterrence and defence & security and stability in the Western Balkans. You are also a steadfast supporter of Ukraine.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General
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- NATO Secretary General at the Assembly of North Macedonia 🇲🇰, 03 MAR 2026
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte address to the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje, 3 March 2026.
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#NATO #OTAN #NorthMacedonia
- Title
- NATO Secretary General & the President of North Macedonia 🇲🇰Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, 03 MAR 2026
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Joint press point by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, 3 March 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Dear Gordana,
Thank you very much for hosting me here, in beautiful Skopje, today.
North Macedonia is a staunch and valued NATO Ally.
Contributing in so many ways to our shared security.
Your troops serve alongside those from many other Allies as part of our Forward Land Forces in Bulgaria and Latvia.
Keeping our eastern flank secure with credible deterrence and defence.
I have the honour of meeting some of your service members at the Ilinden Barracks later today.
I welcome that North Macedonia devoted more than 2% of its GDP to defence spending in 2025. This is vital progress as Allies, including North Macedonia, prepare their credible path to reach 5% of defence spending by 2035, as you already mentioned....
- Title
- Lithuania 🇱🇹 clearly understands that freedom and security demand serious investment
- Date posted
- 17 days ago
- Description
- Happy to welcome Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė 🇱🇹 to #NATO. #Lithuania clearly understands that freedom and security demand serious investment - leading the way on defence investment, working closely with allies to ensure shared readiness and consistently supporting #Ukraine 🇺🇦
- 🗣 | NATO Secretary General
- Title
- NATO Secretary General with the Prime Minister of Lithuania 🇱🇹 Inga Ruginienė, 26 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 18 days ago
- Description
- Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with Prime Minister of Lithuania 🇱🇹 Inga Ruginienė, 26 February 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Prime Minister Ruginienė,
Dear Inga,
I want to welcome you again to NATO Headquarters; it is great to have you here.
Since 2004, Lithuania has been a valued member of NATO, making important contributions to our shared security.
Lithuania serves as a role model for NATO Allies. You just approved your state budget for 2026, aiming for a record-high 5.38% of GDP on defence spending, already exceeding The Hague Defence Investment Plan.
Lithuania is also one of the top supporters of Ukraine. When measured against GDP, you are the third largest contributor of aid to Ukraine worldwide.
Lithuania is also a welcoming host for many important NATO installations. Our NATO Air Policing has a home at the Šiauliai Air Base. Lithuan...
- Title
- NATO stood with Ukraine 🇺🇦 from the beginning. We stand with you today.
- Date posted
- 20 days ago
- Description
- On Tuesday 24 February 2026, NATO Secretary General, Mr. Mark Rutte, spoke at a ceremony at NATO HQ, Brussels to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
- Title
- NATO commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine 🇺🇦, 24 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 20 days ago
- Description
- Remarks by the NATO Secretary General, Mr Mark Rutte, followed by remarks by the Head of Mission of Ukraine to NATO at the ceremony to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 24 February 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
We gather this morning to mark yet another terrible anniversary.
Four years of unforgiving war.
We remember today - and every day - what Ukraine has endured.
But while we pay tribute to those lost and those suffering, we also stand in hope.
Inspired by four years of unbroken resistance. Four years of unwavering grit.
I first had the honour to address Ukraine's parliament just a few weeks after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
I said then that this war is about “a sovereign people's right to choose its own path. It is about freedom. Yours and ours.”
That remains true today.
NA...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General in panel discussion at Munich Security Conference, 14 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 30 days ago
- Description
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks at the “Coalition of the Able? Securing Long-Term Support for Ukraine.” panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference, Saturday 14 February 2026.
🎤 Christiane Amanpour (Moderator), Chief International Anchor, Cable News Network
🗣️ Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General
🗣️ Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
🗣️ Roberta Metsola, European Parliament President
🗣️ Roger F. Wicker, US Senator
Timestamps
▶️ 00:00 🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
▶️ 37:45 🎤 Christiane Amanpour (Moderator)
▶️ 38:55 🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
▶️ 41:00 🗣️ Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General
▶️ 46:19 🇪🇺 Roberta Metsola, European Parliament President
▶️ 49:21 🇺🇸 Roger F. Wicker, US Senator
▶️ 51:40 🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
▶️...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General doorstep at the Munich Security Conference, 13 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Munich Security Conference, 13 February 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Good to see you all. And I’m happy to be back in Munich at this important conference.
As you know, yesterday we had the Defence Ministers session with NATO, and there was a real shift in mindset. As you know, we are investing more in NATO, all over NATO territory, the Europeans now, all – and Canada – on 2%, and we agreed, of course, in The Hague, at the successful Summit, to reach the 5%.
But what I was also seeing yesterday is this notion of Europe really stepping up, taking more of a leadership role within NATO, and also taking more responsibility for its own defence. And I think this will only strengthen NATO. I'm convinced it anchors the United States even more in NATO than it was already because of this dealing with this big irritant, which has been there for so many decades, of Europe...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General’s joint press conference at the Munich Security Conference, 13 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Johann Wadephul, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany and Markus Söder, Minister-President of Bavaria, 13 February 2026.
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#NATO #O...
- Title
- The evidence of progress in delivering on #NATOsummit commitments is visible
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- ❝The evidence of progress in delivering on #NATOsummit commitments is visible❞
🗣 | NATO Secretary General at #DefMin
- Title
- Europeans are taking more responsibility for the defence of NATO
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- 🗣 | NATO Secretary General: North America - Canada, the United States - and the European NATO countries always staying together, but Europeans taking more responsibility for the defence of this part of NATO, which means, indeed, spending more.
And you will also see it in the flags to post, as I mentioned yesterday, that it will be Europeans leading the Joint Force Commands, and then the Americans leading the component commands. Again, evidence of Europeans stepping up.
You see it in PURL, Europeans stepping up. You see it in Lithuania. Germany, having a full brigade there over time, Europeans stepping up.
And there are many of these examples. And that mindset shift underpinning this, for me is now absolutely clear that this is sustainable and will continue to be so.
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- Joint press conference following the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, 12 February 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Press conference by the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the Minister of Defence of Germany 🇩🇪 Boris Pistorius, Secretary of Defence of the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 John Healy and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine 🇺🇦 Mykhailo Fedorov, 12 February 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Mykhailo again, welcome to NATO Headquarters. Great to have you onboard. Let me say that Allies announced hundreds of millions for PURL, funding, as you know, more essential US equipment that Ukraine urgently needs to defend. And I want to thank the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Lithuania for their contributions. And many others have announced that they are actively considering over the next couple of days and weeks, additional contributions.
When I was in Ukraine last week, I saw again firsthand, the chaos and destruction that Russia continues to inflict on the people of Ukraine. And to defend itself against such attacks, Ukraine indeed urgen...
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- NATO Secretary General press conference at Defence Ministers Meeting, 12 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte following the meetings of NATO Ministers of Defence in Brussels, 12 February 2026.
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#NATO #OTAN #DefMin
- Title
- NATO Secretary General and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine 🇺🇦 Mykhailo Fedorov, 12 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- NATO Secretary General and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine 🇺🇦 Mykhailo Fedorov, 12 FEB 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
I really want to welcome Mykhailo Fedorov, the new Defence Minister of Ukraine, who has an extremely interesting background, because he was basically in innovation, in technology and he brings all that experience now to this job.
When we first met last week in Kyiv, I was really impressed by how you're combining the defence and what is needed there in the big war fighting effort, but also to bring the newest technology. And I told Mykhailo that NATO will be with Ukraine when it comes to training, when it comes to arms supply, when it comes to making sure that we capture all the lessons. And of course, NATO Allies are working diligently and every day to make sure that the security guarantees are as strong as possible, post a - hopefully soon - ceasefire long term, or even better, a peace deal.
And I was ...
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- NATO Secretary General, North Atlantic Council at Defence Ministers Meeting, 12 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the North Atlantic Council in Defence Ministers Session, 12 February 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Good morning all of you and welcome to this meeting of NATO Defence Ministers.
Today, we will address how we are further strengthening and adapting our deterrence and defence, and of course continuing our support for Ukraine.
We are already seeing significant increases in Allied defence spending.
Investment is up by tens of billions.
And we will review progress on the 5% defence investment commitment agreed in The Hague last year.
We will discuss enhancing our deterrence and defence posture.
That includes Integrated Air and Missile Defence.
Strengthening our command and control,
Improving our readiness,
As well as our ability to deploy and sustain forces through host nation support.
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- NATO Secretary General with 🇺🇸 US Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby, 12 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Remarks by the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the US Under Secretary of War, Elbridge A. Colby, 12 February 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
I am really happy that Undersecretary of War, Elbridge Colby, is here today.
He has been a consistent force over the years for Europe and Canada to really step up, when it comes to defence spending, when it comes to defence industrial production. Absolutely acknowledging the fact that the United States being absolutely committed to NATO also has to take care of the situation in the Indo-Pacific and has to pivot over time more towards the Indo-Pacific. And therefore, Europe and Canada stepping up was really crucial.
Of course, since President Trump was re-elected, the whole American leadership team under the leadership of President Trump has been pleading with NATO and European and Canadian Allies to do more. And the good news is: the billions are coming in. I mentioned yesterday, Germa...
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- NATO Secretary General - Doorstep statement at Defence Ministers Meeting, 12 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of the meetings of NATO Ministers of Defence in Brussels, 12 February 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
So, good morning to you all. And let me begin by saying that I am really looking forward to today’s meeting with the defence ministers.
It will be very much about the implementation of what we decided in The Hague.
Ramping up. Canada and Europe when it comes to defence spending, across the Alliance, making sure the defence industrial base is producing the output we need to be able to deter and defend ourselves.
And obviously Ukraine, where you just heard the good news from John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, Secretary of Defence, announcing half a billion pounds in air defence, both bilateral and [through] PURL, for Ukraine.
And this is really important, because Ukraine as you know, they are really staunch, they are fighting back, but the...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General outlines new activity - Arctic Sentry - ahead of Defence Ministers meeting
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Ahead of a meeting of Allied Defence Ministers at NATO headquarters, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte set out plans for a new multi-domain activity – Arctic Sentry – to bolster security in the Arctic and High North.
With Russia’s increasing military activity and China’s growing interest in the Arctic, Allies have agreed to do more to ensure our collective security in this vital region.
The multi-domain activity will be led by Joint Force Command Norfolk and will further strengthen NATO’s posture in the Arctic and High North by bringing together NATO and Allied activities into one, overarching operational approach.
#NATO #OTAN #DefMin
- Title
- NATO Secretary General pre-ministerial press conference at Defence Ministers Meeting, 11 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Pre-ministerial press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels, 11 February 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Thank you so much, and welcome. Good afternoon.
Tomorrow indeed, NATO Defence Ministers will meet here at NATO Headquarters as we prepare for the Summit in Ankara which is now less than five months from now.
When leaders gather in Türkiye in July, we will build on the historic decisions made at the Summit in The Hague last year.
It was there that Allies agreed to ensure that NATO is a stronger, fairer Alliance - including by increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 and substantially boosting our defence industries.
Tomorrow, I look forward to hearing from Ministers on how Allies are implementing these decisions; how each is delivering to ensure our common security.
Investment is up by tens of billions. Take Germany for...
- Title
- Russia's attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure are meant to create chaos and fear
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- More about the NATO Summit in The Hague 🇳🇱 https://bit.ly/NATOsummitTheHague
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#NATO #OTAN
- Title
- Ukraine 🇺🇦, your friends and partners in NATO will continue to stand firm alongside you
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- On Tuesday 3 February, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Kyiv, where he is meeting with President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian leadership.
In an address to the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, Mr Rutte made clear that Allied support to Ukraine would not waver. “Ukraine is and will remain essential to our security.”
With peace talks ongoing, the Secretary General also affirmed the importance of robust security guarantees for Ukraine, highlighting transatlantic pledges of assurance in the event of a deal. “You need to know that this peace will be lasting. Not because papers have been signed, but because there is hard power to back it up.”
#NATO #Ukraine #zelensky
- Title
- NATO Secretary General with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv, 03 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, in Kyiv, 3 February 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Well thank you Volodymyr, and let me say I am grateful for the warm welcome amidst the winter cold. It is always an honour to be with you here. And an inspiration, to stand alongside you to affirm NATO's continued support for Ukraine. For every one of the 1441 days since Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has resisted. Ukraine has defended. Ukraine has stood strong. NATO stands with you in words and in deed.
Together, NATO and Ukraine ensure that your friends and partners know what kind of security assistance you need. Our command in Wiesbaden in Germany, NSATU, coordinates the supply of essential military equipment and training. This not only addresses immediate needs on the battlefield, but also has your future force in focus. So you can defend today but also deter tomorrow.
- Title
- NATO Secretary General at the Verkhovna Rada in Ukraine 🇺🇦, 03 FEB 2026
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Speech by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Verkhovna Rada in Ukraine, 3 February 2026.
On Tuesday 3 February NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Kyiv, where he is meeting with President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian leadership.
In an address to the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, Mr Rutte made clear that Allied support to Ukraine would not waver. “Ukraine is and will remain essential to our security.”
With peace talks ongoing, the Secretary General also affirmed the importance of robust security guarantees for Ukraine, highlighting transatlantic pledges of assurance in the event of a deal. “You need to know that this peace will be lasting. Not because papers have been signed, but because there is hard power to back it up.”
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Deputy Chairman, dear Oleksandr, dear members of the Verkhovna Rada,
In the midst of this bitterly cold winter, I thank you for your warm ...
- Title
- Russia, China, North Korea and Iran are challenging us. But we are miles ahead.
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Russia, China, North Korea and Iran are challenging us.
But we are miles ahead.
We can build on decades of friendship between our nations on both sides of the Atlantic.
- 🗣 | NATO Secretary General
- Title
- NATO Secretary General address to the Renew Europe Group, 13 JAN 2026
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Keynote address by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Renew Europe Global Europe Forum 2026 followed by Q&A, 15 January 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Great to be here and to see so many people I know so well. And of course, Teri, who will lead us later in the debate. And of course, you, Madam President, dear Valérie, thank you for your very warm welcome.
And let me start by saying that it is always a pleasure to be on this side of town, to be at the European Parliament.
This is my first public speaking engagement this year, and it is very meaningful to have this conversation with you – with the members of parliament.
At the NATO Summit in The Hague last summer, we decided to make our deterrence and defence a priority.
We agreed a plan, as you know, to invest 5% of GDP annually in defence by 2035 – with 3.5% on core defence, and 1.5% on defence- and security-related issues.
Yes, ...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General with the Prime Minister of Croatia 🇭🇷 Andrej Plenković, 12 JAN 2026
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with the Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković, 12 January 2026.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Thank you very much Prime Minister Plenković, dear Andrej. Let me also acknowledge the presence of the two ministers, good that you are here, and the Chief of Defence. And thank you for hosting me here in beautiful Zagreb. It is always a pleasure to be here.
Since joining the Alliance in 2009, Croatia has been a valued member of NATO. It contributes significantly to our collective security – not only on our eastern flank and in the Western Balkans, but across the entire Alliance.
Just before the holidays, I met Croatian troops in Poland, as part of NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Bemowo Piskie. It was inspiring to meet so many servicemen and women spending Christmas away from their families – standing watch, keeping us all safe.
Croatia also contributes pers...
- Title
- Secretary General Mark Rutte's end of year message to NATO troops | 2025
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte holiday greetings to NATO troops, 19 December 2025.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
I'm here in Poland, visiting the NATO troops here in Poland, and I'm really impressed again, by their dedication, by their professionalism. Our men and women in uniform are really the best in the world.
As Christmas is approaching, I do realise that all over NATO territory, and also our other missions that we have, NATO soldiers working also during Christmas, during the New Year, and that means you're not at home. Your friends, your family, they miss you, and I really want to pay my respect and tell you that you're doing a fantastic job.
You are defending 1 billion people all over NATO territory but there's more. You're also defending our values, that we live in democracies, that we have free elections, that you can live the way, in the way you want to do, to do that, that you can express whatever view you have. And ...
- Title
- NATO stands united and ready, today and every day.
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- 🗣 | NATO Secretary General: It is a real pleasure to be in Bemowo Piskie 🇵🇱 with Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz to thank the servicemen and women who serve as part of #NATO’s Forward Land Forces for the important work that they do.
NATO stands united and ready, today and every day.
- Title
- NATO Secretary General w/ Deputy Prime Minister of Poland 🇵🇱 Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, 18 DEC 2025
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Poland, Mr Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, 18 December 2025.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte travelled to Poland on Thursday (18 December 2025), where he met President Karol Nawrocki, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The Secretary General visited the Bemowo Piskie training area, where he had the opportunity to meet and thank personnel serving as part of NATO’s Forward Land Forces.
“As well as US troops, this base hosts troops from Romania, Croatia, the UK and of course Poland. And indeed, many of them will spend the holiday period away from their families, standing watch. Keeping us all safe, and enhancing our deterrence and defence posture on NATO’s eastern flank,” he said at a joint press conference with Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Mr Rutte commended Poland f...
- Title
- The time for action is now | #NATO
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- I delivered a clear message in my speech in Berlin hosted by @MunSecConf
Allied defence spending and production must rise rapidly.
Our armed forces must have what they need to keep us safe.
And Ukraine must have what it needs to defend itself.
The time for action is now.
#MSCinBerlin
- Title
- NATO Secretary General in panel discussion at MSC in Berlin, 11 DEC 2025
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks at a panel discussion at the MSC in Berlin, Thursday 11 December 2025.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Hello, dear Johann, dear Detlef, dear Wolfgang, good afternoon, and of course, good afternoon to all of you. And thank you for the warm welcome, it is always good to be in Berlin.
Just over 36 years ago, on a now famous night in November, NATO Secretary General Manfred Wörner jumped in his car and drove through the night to Berlin. In the rush, he forgot to tell his staff in Brussels where he was going. Manfred was heading home to Germany to join the crowds celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, a section of the Wall stands at NATO Headquarters. It was a barrier to keep people in, and ideas out. Now it is a monument to the force of freedom, a reminder of the power of unity, and a lesson that we must stay strong, confident and steadfast. Because the dark forces of oppression are on the march again....
- Title
- We know we can count on Germany 🇩🇪 & Germany can count on #NATO
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Germany makes impressive contributions to our Alliance – on the ground, in the air and at sea. And you continue to be a driving force behind support to Ukraine
We know we can count on Germany & Germany can count on NATO
#Germany #OTAN
- Title
- NATO Secretary General with the Chancellor of Germany 🇩🇪 Friedrich Merz, 11 DEC 2025
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Joint press conference by the NATO Secretary General and the Federal Chancellor of Germany, Mr Friedrich Merz on 11 December 2025.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Dear Chancellor Merz, lieber Friedrich,
Thank you for the warm welcome. It’s always a pleasure to be in Berlin.
At the Summit in The Hague, we took the decisions to make NATO stronger. And at the core is the agreement to invest a historic 5% of GDP in defence.
This includes 3.5% for core defence requirements and 1.5% for defence- and security-related investments.
Germany has earmarked more than €108 billion for security and defence in 2026. And thank you, Friedrich, for committing to reach the 3.5% for core defence requirements in 2029 already – a truly impressive shift demonstrating exactly the kind of resolve we need to ensure our security.
Germany is leading by example and sending an important signal. A signal that Europe is rea...
- Title
- Russia continues its brutal war against Ukraine & demonstrates increasingly reckless behaviour
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Just concluded our meeting of Foreign Ministers
We face real & lasting dangers: Russia continues its brutal war against Ukraine & demonstrates increasingly reckless behaviour when it comes to NATO
This shows that we need to remain vigilant – NATO must & will continue to respond with strength, unity & resolve
#NATO #OTAN #ForMin
- Title
- NATO Secretary General press conference at Foreign Ministers Meeting, 03 DEC 2025
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte following the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, 3 December 2025.
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#NATO #OTAN #ForMin
- Title
- NATO Secretary General, North Atlantic Council at Foreign Ministers Meeting, 03 DEC 2025
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the North Atlantic Council in Foreign Ministers Session, 3 December 2025.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Good morning all of you and welcome.
Welcome to this meeting of the Foreign Ministers of NATO.
In this session, we will assess the progress made in strengthening our collective defence since NATO leaders met at the historic Summit in the Hague. We will also look ahead at what more Allies need to do as we start preparing for the next Summit in Ankara in July 2026 and we face real and lasting dangers.
Russia continues to test our deterrence. Russia has violated our airspace with jets and drones, conducted sabotage and sent spy ships into our waters.
These actions are reckless and they are dangerous, and it's not Russia alone.
It is working closely with China, North Korea and Iran to attempt to disrupt our societies and tear up the global ru...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General - Doorstep statement at Foreign Ministers Meeting, 03 DEC 2025
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels, 3 December 2025.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Good morning all of you, at this early hour.
Looking forward today to host the foreign ministers of NATO. Of course, we'll be discussing the historic The Hague Summit, and to make sure that we implement all the decisions when it comes to, and so to discuss the implementation of that summit - particularly when it comes to defence spending. Ramping up to 5% on a credible path, defence industrial production - we have to do much more - we are doing better, but still a lot to be done. And of course, keeping Ukraine as strong as possible in the fight today, but also to be in the strongest possible position when peace talks really start to happen, in a way where this could lead to a result.
And then we will also have the NUC - NATO-Ukraine Council - later today, the lu...
- Title
- Allies are ready, willing & able to tackle the challenges we face – keeping our 1bn people safe
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Ready to welcome NATO Foreign Ministers tomorrow.
We’ll address evolving threats to our security, review action to strengthen our deterrence & defence, and discuss continued support to Ukraine.
Allies are ready, willing & able to work together to tackle the challenges we face – keeping our 1bn people safe today & in the future
#NATO #ForMin #OTAN
- Title
- NATO Secretary General pre-ministerial press conference at Foreign Ministers Meeting, 02 DEC 2025
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Pre-ministerial press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, 2 December 2025.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Good afternoon, and it's good to see you all here in the press theater.
Tomorrow, NATO Foreign Ministers will meet here at NATO Headquarters, and we have much to discuss.
As we look ahead to the next NATO Summit in Ankara in July, Allies will address the evolving threats to our security.
They will review the action taken to strengthen our deterrence and defence, and we will also meet in the NATO Ukraine Council with Foreign Minister Sybiha, along with the EU High Representative Kallas.
As we begin to look ahead to our next Summit in Türkiye, we will examine the evolving threats and challenges to our security - including from Russia - and how we are progressing on the crucial decisions leaders made in The Hague.
Allies ag...
- Title
- Iceland's 🇮🇸 strategic position underpins security for North America and Europe
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- 🗣 | NATO Secretary General: Iceland as we know is a founding member of our Alliance. Your strategic position underpins security for North America and Europe – at sea, below the surface, and in the air above.
You operate critical air defence and surveillance systems as part of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence; and you provide facilities, infrastructure and Host Nation Support at Keflavik for regular Air Policing.
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Connect with NATO online:
Visit the Official NATO Homepage: https://bit.ly/NATOhomepage
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Find NATO on FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/NATOfacebook
Follow @NATO on X/TWITTER: https://bit.ly/NATOtwitter
F...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General with the Prime Minister of Iceland 🇮🇸 Kristrún Frostadóttir, 27 NOV 2025
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Joint press point by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with Kristrún Frostadóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland, 27 November 2025.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Prime Minister Frostadóttir, dear Kristrún, it is a pleasure indeed to be back in Reykjavík. This is the northernmost capital in NATO, I think even in the whole world. And I want to thank you for your warm welcome, for the friendship. And it is great to see you now in Reykjavík.
Since you took office - it is now almost a year ago, I think, in December - you have made Iceland's continued commitment to NATO clear. Very clear. And your government has ambitious plans to take the hard, but I believe also the necessary, decisions required to increase defence and security related spending, and for this, I commend you. For a nation without armed forces, this is no small task. But Iceland has always punched above its weight. Believe me, I remember very well when the Icelandic national football...
- Title
- Finland 🇫🇮 strengthens NATO's deterrence & defence. Its expertise in the High North is crucial
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- 🗣 | NATO Secretary General: Finland is a highly valued Ally – your membership in NATO strengthens our deterrence and defence & your expertise in the High North is crucial
Thank you for your contributions – including in support of Ukraine – and steadfast commitment to our shared security
- Title
- NATO Secretary General with the President of Finland 🇫🇮 Alexander Stubb, 17 NOV 2025
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, 17 November 2025.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
President Stubb, dear Alex,
Welcome back to NATO Headquarters. You were the first Allied leader to visit after I took office last year and it’s always great to see you.
Finland is a valued Ally. Your membership strengthens NATO’s deterrence and defence. And Finland can count on your NATO Allies to stand beside you.
Finland has always recognised the importance of security, and you know what it takes to deliver it. You spent over 2.4% of GDP on defence last year, and will spend over 2.7% this year.
And together with Sweden, you are establishing a new NATO Forward Land Force in Finland that will further reinforce NATO’s posture.
And of course, I welcome the new Multi-Corps Land Component Command in Mikkeli, which will plan, prepare and run the activities of NATO land forces...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General at the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force Headquarters, 13 NOV 2025
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Joint press statement by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with Minister-President of State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, and Commander NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force, Major General Andreas Korb, 13 November 2025.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Good afternoon. Herr Minister-President, Lieber Hendrik. Major General Korb, dear Andreas, thank you for welcoming me to Geilenkirchen today, and it's a pleasure to be here in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Here in Geilenkirchen you host NATO's Airborne Warning and Control Force, the AWACS. The men and women of this air base are doing a crucial job. They are NATO's eyes in the sky, making sure we are prepared to face any threat that might come our way. They play a key role in enabling our deterrence and defence, and I want to thank them all for the work they are doing here.
And in North Rhine-Westphalia, you do not only host our AWACS, your state Hendrik, is also playing a ...
- Title
- NATO Secretary General with the Commander Joint Force Command Brunssum, 13 NOV 2025
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Joint press statements with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Commander Joint Force Command Brunssum General Ingo Gerhartz, 13 November 2025.
🗣 | NATO Secretary General:
Good afternoon General Gerhartz, dear Ingo. It's a pleasure to be here today, and thank you for hosting me here in Brunssum.
I also want to take the opportunity to congratulate you on your new position as Commander. You started this role in June, and we are very glad to have such an experienced General, and a fighter pilot, in charge at Brunssum. As Chief of the German Air Force, you made it a particular priority to improve operational readiness.
The changes you implemented have helped the German Air Force to go from strength to strength and to play a leading role in our Alliance. Here at Joint Force Command in Brunssum, you are looking to our northern and eastern flanks. These are areas where Russia constantly tries to test our resolve and our responses, but ...
