Rutte Warns MEPs: “Today’s Safety Doesn’t Guarantee Tomorrow’s Security”

During his initial public dialogue with MEPs from the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, along with the Parliament’s delegation for engagement with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly since his appointment as NATO Secretary General, Mr. Rutte expressed his profound worries regarding the security landscape in Europe. “We are not at war, but we are not enjoying peace either,” he remarked, citing challenges posed by nations like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, in addition to ongoing threats such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, misinformation, and climate change.

Nevertheless, he stated, “We possess the knowledge to safeguard our citizens and the European way of life (…), now we simply need to execute it”, referring to the necessity of enhancing investment in defence capabilities and resources to strengthen resilience and continue backing Ukraine. A more robust European defence entails increasing expenditures, optimizing spending, and amplifying production, Mr. Rutte contended, not to incite war, but to avert it. “The NATO’s present two percent defence expenditure benchmark is far from sufficient (…) to maintain security, NATO partners will need to invest significantly more. This also encompasses boosting the production of essential assets and capabilities,” he stated. “The European defence sector is undertaking truly commendable work, yet the reality is that we are not where we ought to be.”

Concerning Ukraine, the NATO Secretary General noted that Europe’s future depends on the result of the conflict. “We aspire for enduring peace there. If Putin attains his objectives, peace will not endure,” he emphasized, adding that EU assistance to Ukraine is vital: “We are secure now, but we may not be secure in five years.”

MEPs: What can Europe contribute to NATO

Regarding collaboration between the EU and NATO, MEPs interrogated Mr. Rutte on the contribution from the EU. Defence extends beyond military concerns: it encompasses international relations, in addition to social, economic, and diplomatic relations, a number of MEPs emphasized. MEPs also inquired about potential cooperation with the upcoming Trump Administration and expressed apprehension regarding Türkiye’s role in NATO.

Other MEPs highlighted the disparities among NATO partners concerning defence matters, but underscored the importance of unity for achieving a sustainable peace in Ukraine. They also pointed out the challenging security climate in the Mediterranean and Western Balkans.

In terms of enhancing military industry, MEPs asked about preventing redundancy in military production and expediting the development of weapons. Several MEPs raised the necessity to address hybrid threats, especially at Europe’s eastern border and in the Western Balkans.

You can rewatch the complete debate here.