NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed satisfaction with the speed at which allies are increasing their defense capabilities in his statements regarding the future of the alliance, but stated that it is not enough. Referring specifically to commitments to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, Rutte said: "This will prevent NATO from being an alliance in the future where allies are overly dependent on the US."
Redaksiya reports that the Secretary General noted that allies are moving quickly to secure their budgets and expand their armies, warning: "But despite these advancements, it is clear that we will need more." Defending the indispensability of the US for global security, Rutte used the phrases: "American leadership is absolutely necessary for freedom to be the rule, not the exception."
Rutte emphasized that the Trump administration's "hard power" approach had a positive impact on Europe, stating: "Trump's commitment to progress, reminding Europe that values must be backed by hard power, reversed a stagnation and weakening that had lasted for more than a generation." Rutte concluded the alliance's vision for the new era as follows: "Thanks to American leadership and a shared determination to protect freedom and security, NATO is growing stronger. I believe that a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO will not view US leadership as a guarantee."