Berlin, December 12 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered a pivotal keynote address today as part of the “MSC in Berlin” event series. His speech, which underscored the urgent need for increased defense spending and robust support for Ukraine, was followed by a question-and-answer session with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, moderated by MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger.
A Call for Greater European Responsibility
Ambassador Ischinger opened the event by highlighting its timeliness, particularly in light of the new U.S. National Security Strategy, which strongly urges Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own defense. He also referenced ongoing peace talks for Ukraine and the intensified hybrid attacks from Russia, setting a serious tone for the discussions.
Following Ischinger, German Foreign Minister Wadephul addressed the 5% spending target agreed upon at the NATO Summit in The Hague. He confidently stated, “Germany will meet the new spending target well before the 2035 deadline.” He then turned to Secretary General Rutte, expressing his confidence: “I am glad that in this day and age it is you, dear Mark, whose leadership we count on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Rutte’s Three Pillars for NATO’s Future
Mark Rutte then delivered his keynote speech, outlining three critical points for the future of the alliance and regional security:
- Defense spending and Allied production must increase rapidly: Rutte emphasized the necessity for NATO members to significantly boost their financial contributions to defense and enhance their industrial capacity to produce military equipment.
- NATO forces must possess the necessary capabilities to ensure security and protection: He stressed that the alliance’s military forces need to be adequately equipped and trained to effectively respond to current and future threats.
- Ukraine requires comprehensive support to defend itself effectively: Rutte unequivocally called for sustained and extensive aid to Ukraine, highlighting its crucial role in European security.
His message was clear and direct: “The time for action is now.” This statement encapsulated the urgency he conveyed regarding the challenges facing NATO and its allies.
Further Information and Event Details
The event, held in Berlin, drew significant attention from policymakers, security experts, and the media. The discussions highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape and the need for a unified and proactive response from NATO members.
The full speech by Mark Rutte is available in English. Press photos from the event can be accessed via a provided link, with specific usage guidelines to be observed. The “MSC in Berlin” series continues to serve as a vital platform for high-level discussions on international security challenges and cooperative solutions.
This event underscores the ongoing commitment of NATO and its member states to addressing contemporary security threats and reinforcing collective defense capabilities. The emphasis on increased defense spending and robust support for Ukraine reflects a shared understanding of the current geopolitical imperatives.
Source: https://securityconference.org/news/meldung/msc-in-berlin-mark-rutte-grundsatzrede/
