Rutte calls on Europe to “step up” as US focuses on Asia
Mark Rutte (Photo: Koen Van Weel/EPA)
According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Europe must “step up” its efforts as the United States shifts its focus towards Asia, as he stated to reporters in Brussels prior to a two-day meeting of the alliance’s foreign ministers, Bloomberg reported.
Rutte indicated that the US does not intend to withdraw its troops from Europe; however, military presence in the region should “step up” its activities as Washington increasingly concentrates on Asia.
“It is evident to the US that over time they wish to concentrate more on this region of the world. Thus, it’s reasonable for Europe to enhance its involvement,” the NATO Secretary General stressed.
At the same time, Rutte affirmed that the US remains “committed to NATO.”
The gathering of the foreign ministers from the member states of the Alliance is scheduled for April 3-4. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga will be in attendance.
- On March 21, 2025, Tusk disclosed the European Union’s decision to bolster defense against Russia over a span of five years.
- On March 26, Rutte labeled Russia as the “most significant and darkest” threat to the Alliance.
