NATO chief focuses on alliance unity after US alters pledges

Lead

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte sought to reassure allies that the United States is not abandoning the alliance, even as Washington reduces the military assets it has committed to NATO's force model. Speaking ahead of a NATO defense ministers' meeting, Rutte said the US had made clear it remains committed to the alliance, and he framed the changes as an opportunity for a more balanced transatlantic partnership.

Coverage Comparison

Rutte's remarks were covered by Deutsche Welle and TASS — English, with both outlets focusing on different aspects of his statements. Deutsche Welle highlighted Rutte's defense of the US cuts and his call for European allies to step up, while TASS — English emphasized the "NATO 3.0" concept and the prospect of a "stronger European-led NATO." Both reports quoted Rutte directly, though they drew on different parts of his interviews and press appearances.

Key Claims

Rutte confirmed that the reduction in US troop levels in Europe will begin "immediately," but he stressed that in the event of war, the US would "max out" its efforts to defend allies. "If a war breaks out and Article 5 emerges, all allies, including the US, will max out what they can do to make sure we can fight the war," he told reporters, as quoted by TASS — English.

The cuts apply to the NATO Force Model, which Rutte described as a planning tool rather than a reflection of current force dispositions. "The US has announced already before that they had to lower somewhat their contribution to the NATO Force Model," he said, adding that the Europeans are "backfilling" the gap by expanding their armies. Deutsche Welle cited US and German media reports that the cuts include a third of the 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets designated for NATO, as well as refueling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers, drones, a submarine capable of launching cruise missiles, and one of two aircraft carrier groups.

Rutte emphasized that the US remains committed to NATO's defense, despite the reductions. "The US has made clear that it is committed to NATO," he said, according to Deutsche Welle. He said the US had "adjusted its pledge" but that the decision only affects "who would do what if our defense plans were activated," not current force locations.

He also argued that the cuts could strengthen the alliance, noting that NATO had historically been "overly reliant" on the US. "Other allies have stepped up to contribute more, and this is fair," he said. "This makes us stronger."

In a separate interview with the Anadolu news agency, quoted by TASS — English, Rutte outlined what he called the "NATO 3.0" concept, under which European countries would take on greater responsibility. "NATO 3.0 is different from NATO 2.0, where we were overly dependent on the US," he said. "The US will still be involved in Europe, [on] conventional, and, of course, nuclear [matters], but you will see a stronger European-led NATO."

Under this concept, European countries would assume command of three NATO joint commands "in the nearest future," according to Rutte. Europeans would also take a leading role in financing Ukraine's military aid, with the US continuing to supply equipment. "The US will continue to supply a significant amount of important military equipment, but European countries and Canada will finance it," he said, adding that this would represent "fairer burden-sharing" and increase NATO's deterrent capabilities.

Deutsche Welle reported that Denmark announced on Wednesday it would deploy a battalion of 850 troops in the Baltic region in the autumn, an example of allies filling the gap left by the US. Rutte noted that "some of this is already done, some of this is in progress," referring to European efforts to expand their armies.

US and German media, as cited by Deutsche Welle, have reported on the specific cuts to US military assets. The process of scaling down US combat forces in Europe has already begun, with initial force reductions planned in Poland and Germany, according to TASS — English. Washington has promised to maintain intelligence, command and control, and logistical support capabilities in Europe, while reaffirming its commitment to Europe's nuclear deterrence.

Rutte's comments come amid a broader debate in Europe about increasing defense spending, with some EU countries considering reinstating universal conscription, according to TASS — English.