Europe Steps Up Defense, Answers Trump's Call, Says NATO Chief Rutte

Addressing the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Rutte asserted that "American leadership is absolutely essential if freedom is to be the rule and not the exception."

The Secretary General highlighted a significant shift in the transatlantic relationship, noting that Europe is transitioning from a state of reliance to one of active partnership.

He remarked that "Europe is assuming a greater and fairer share of the task of providing for its conventional defence... From that, there will be no going back."

Attributing the alliance's renewed energy to the current US administration, Rutte stated that "Trump's commitment to progress reversed more than a generation of stagnation and atrophy," while reminding European partners that diplomatic values require the backing of military strength.

He further explained that the alliance's purpose extends beyond the continent, as "the US needed a secure Europe and a secure Atlantic, because otherwise the Russians and others might pose a threat."

Expanding on the global nature of modern security, Rutte pointed out the interconnectedness of different theatres.

He noted, "You cannot separate what happens in the Indo-Pacific from what happens in the Atlantic... This is worldwide, and we have to work together."

Reflecting on past frictions regarding operations in the Middle East, Rutte acknowledged that while some partners were initially hesitant during US actions in Iran, the landscape has changed.

He explained that "to maintain the element of surprise for the initial strikes, President Trump opted not to inform allies ahead of time," leading to some being "a bit slow, to say the least."

However, Rutte emphasised that European nations are now fully engaged and cooperative.

"What I see, when I look across Europe today, is allies providing a massive amount of support," he said, adding that "nearly without exception, allies are doing everything the United States is asking. They have heard and are responding to President Trump's requests."

This increased commitment is evidenced by international coalitions protecting maritime routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Furthermore, defence expenditure has seen a dramatic rise, with all members now hitting the 2 per cent GDP benchmark and eyeing a 5 per cent target.

Rutte credited this rapid change to American pressure, noting that "without President Trump, I'm not sure they would have done that in only nine to 12 months."

Reminiscing on the history of joint military efforts, the Secretary General reminded the audience that "NATO was not a one-way alliance when US, European, and Canadian troops fought and sacrificed shoulder to shoulder in Afghanistan."

He maintained that through this continued unity, "the United States and its allies in NATO will deliver on our shared commitment to secure our freedom today, tomorrow, and well beyond."

- ANI