NATO Secretary General Rutte: U.S. Will Not Leave NATO, But Stronger European Role Needed

Gate News message, April 19 — NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on April 18 that despite challenges in U.S.-European relations, he believes the United States will not leave NATO, but this requires "a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO," according to German media.

Rutte told Germany's Der Tagesspiegel that President Trump is clearly disappointed with some NATO members, and he understands Trump's frustration. He emphasized that Europe wants to play a greater role in NATO, marking a shift from "unhealthy dependency" to a transatlantic alliance based on genuine partnership.

Rutte also stressed that the U.S. nuclear umbrella remains the ultimate guarantee for European security and expressed confidence it will continue.