NATO appointed Mark Rutte as its next secretary-general on Wednesday, positioning the outgoing Dutch prime minister at the helm of the world’s largest security organization during a critical period for European security amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. Rutte’s appointment was confirmed by NATO ambassadors during a meeting at the 32-nation alliance’s headquarters in Brussels. U.S. President Joe Biden and his counterparts will formally welcome him during a summit in Washington on July 9-11.
Rutte will take over from Norway’s Jens Stoltenberg on October 1, after Stoltenberg’s more than a decade-long tenure, which included multiple extensions to ensure continuity following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Stoltenberg expressed his support for Rutte, praising him as a true trans-Atlanticist, a strong leader, and a consensus-builder. He voiced confidence that Rutte would successfully navigate NATO through its contemporary challenges.
As NATO’s secretary-general, Rutte will chair meetings, guide delicate consultations among member countries, ensure smooth organizational functioning, oversee the implementation of decisions, and speak on behalf of all members. His appointment, despite having the backing of the White House and most major member countries, faced several obstacles.
Rutte emerged as the sole candidate after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew his candidacy last week. Hungary lifted its objections earlier this month after securing an agreement from Rutte that Budapest would not be obligated to provide personnel or funds for a new support plan for Ukraine. Turkey, which had also voiced opposition to Rutte’s bid, lifted its objections in April. NATO’s decision-making process requires unanimous agreement, giving any member the power to veto projects and operations.
