Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been officially chosen as the next NATO Secretary-General, the military alliance announced on Wednesday, June 26.
Rutte's appointment follows Romanian President Klaus Iohannis’s withdrawal from the race last week, leaving Rutte as the sole candidate for the position.
Rutte will assume his new role on October 1, succeeding the current NATO chief, Jens Stoltenberg, whose 10-year tenure will come to an end, according to a statement from NATO.
“It is a tremendous honor to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security,” Rutte expressed in a post on X on Wednesday.
The 57-year-old Dutch PM conveyed his gratitude to NATO allies for their trust. “Leading this organization is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” he added.
Stoltenberg welcomed Rutte's appointment, saying, “Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader, and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO,” in a post on X.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Rutte on X, stating, “I know Mark Rutte as a principled and strong leader who has demonstrated his decisiveness and vision on many occasions over the past years.”
“When Mr. Rutte takes over this post from @JensStoltenberg in October, we anticipate that our joint work to ensure the protection of people and freedom throughout our entire Euro-Atlantic community will continue at a good pace.”
Rutte will take charge of NATO as the alliance supports Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion, navigating the deadliest conflict on European soil since World War II.
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