NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for European nations to increase defense budgets, aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls for fairer burden-sharing within the alliance.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Rutte acknowledged that Europe’s defense spending is insufficient, stating, “He is right of course, that the problem is not the U.S. and the problem is Europe.” This remark came in response to criticism from Richard Grenell, President Trump’s envoy for special missions, who highlighted the Netherlands’ historical underinvestment in defense during Rutte’s tenure as prime minister.
Grenell asserted that NATO should reconsider expanding its membership, including admitting Ukraine, until existing members meet their defense spending commitments. He emphasized that the American public shoulders a disproportionate share of NATO’s defense costs and urged European allies to fulfill their financial obligations.
Rutte, who assumed the role of NATO Secretary-General in January 2025, has consistently advocated for increased defense spending among European members. He warned that maintaining the current spending level of 2% of GDP could leave the alliance vulnerable within five years, stating, “We are safe now, but not in four or five years.” Rutte suggested that European nations might need to reassess welfare expenditures to finance the necessary military enhancements, highlighting the urgency of bolstering defense capabilities in light of ongoing security challenges.
The debate over defense spending has intensified as the conflict in Ukraine continues, with NATO leaders emphasizing the importance of a robust and unified response to deter further aggression. Rutte’s comments reflect a broader consensus among alliance members on the need to strengthen collective defense mechanisms to ensure long-term security and stability in the region.
