NATO has named outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next head of the Western security alliance, bringing a leadership change for the first time in a decade.
Ambassadors representing the alliance’s 32 members agreed to select Rutte as the replacement for NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who will step down on October 1 at the end of his term after a decade in office.
Rutte, who has years of experience leading diverse coalitions and managing foreign policy as prime minister of the Netherlands, said on Wednesday it was a “tremendous honor” to be named the next head of NATO.
“The alliance is and will continue to be the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organization is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I am grateful to all Allies for placing their trust in me.” he wrote on social media platform X.
Stoltenberg also welcomed his replacement in a publish at X. “Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO.”
NATO will host an upcoming summit in Washington, from 9 to 11 July, which will be Stoltenberg’s last and will serve as an introduction for Rutte.
Rutte will take the lead at a dangerous time for NATO, as the war intensifies in Ukraine and the alliance seeks to increase defense spending among its member countries, many of which have historically failed to meet a certain spending threshold as they have relied of the USA for security. .
He may also have to navigate a more complex relationship with former President Trump, who has taken a tougher tone toward the alliance, including comments this year that suggested he would not defend nations that do not pay enough in defense spending.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
