NATO's Mark Rutte calls for increased European military responsibility

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that strengthening European military capabilities will allow the continent to assume greater responsibility for its surrounding security, including the Middle East. Speaking at a Chicago Council on Global Affairs event in Des Moines, Iowa, Rutte noted that while European nations are increasing defense spending and industrial capacity, they currently lack the independent capability to conduct major military operations.

Rutte emphasized that the United States must maintain a leadership role, particularly in communicating with Russia. He pointed out that European bases currently provide the U.S. with the ability to project power beyond Europe, citing the use of these bases for air operations in various regions.

Addressing recent maritime security issues, Rutte remarked that the U.S. has had to step in regarding threats from the Houthis in the Red Sea because Europeans did not possess sufficient capabilities to manage such situations independently. He argued that while Europe has larger populations and economic resources, it must gradually take on more of its own defense burden while maintaining the transatlantic alliance.