Nato Chief Rutte: ‘Keep on Dreaming’ If You Think Europe Could Defend Itself without US

THE GUARDIAN: Mark Rutte said Europe would need to spend ‘billions and billions of euros’ on defence

Rutte also tells EU lawmakers that if they think the EU or Europe as whole can defend itself without the US, they should “keep on dreaming”.

He says Europe’s defence spending would then have to go massively up to 10%, with further need to buy own nuclear capability and spend “billions and billions of euros.”

He also says Europe needs the US and similarly the US needs Nato.

He adds that even as US priorities evolve, there will “always be a very strong conventional US presence in Europe.” » | Europe live with Jakub Krupa | Monday, January 26, 2026

How weak! How feeble! Such a defeatist attitude!

So, Mark Rutte believes that Europeans—naturally, I include Britons in this group—must rely on the mood swings of a fascist, on the vicissitudes of BIG “DADDY”, on the mercurial nature of the orange god across the Pond.

Of course, Europe is not currently in any position to defend the Continent effectively. But with WILL and DETERMINATION and GOOD, SOUND LEADERSHIP, and a STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY, that can all change. However, with Mark Rutte’s defeatist attitude, it will not change. Things will stay the same.

If you don’t believe me, just think of what Winston Churchill achieved when war broke out in 1939. At the time, the United Kingdom‘s finances were in a relatively weak and precarious position. But Winston Churchill refused to let that dampen his determination to defend the nation. At the time, the UK fought without the USA. The USA didn’t enter the war until December 1941. But the UK fought on with courage and determination. And so it must be for Europe in times of danger and war.

Recent political developments and events have shown us Europeans that WE MUST start fending for ourselves. WE MUST NOT CONTINUE to allow others to determine our future or destiny. Nor can we allow European soil to be seized by other nations. Our European identity, unity and cohesion, prosperity, and future depend on it. We cannot afford not to be able to fend for ourselves. If we cannot learn to defend ourselves, European nations will end up as vassal states. And that, of course, is both objectionable and unacceptable.

Europe’s military strength depends on us Europeans: Europeans’ determination; Europeans’ well-trained, well-financed militaries; and Europeans’ willingness to work together as ONE, as a FAMILY OF NATIONS. Each nation will have to work for the GOOD OF ALL.

The best way forward will be achieved when there is a central military command. And to use an apt Arab saying. It is as follows: One hand cannot clap. (يد واحدة لا تصفق). This means that teamwork is essential.

We Europeans must put aside our differences and co-operate. Our future depends on it. It is the ONLY WAY FORWARD. — © Mark Alexander

Groenland : pourquoi la souveraineté de l’île n’est pas négociable, et surtout pas par l’Otan

LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Donald Trump, qui veut s’approprier le Groenland, avait annoncé un «accord-cadre» après un échange avec le secrétaire général de l’Otan. Un non-sens au regard du droit international, comme l’a rappelé la première ministre danoise, qui a toutefois annoncé des discussions entre Nuuk, Copenhague et Washington.

Mette Frederiksen n’a pas volé son surnom de dame de fer danoise. Mercredi, Donald Trump annonçait que ses discussions avec le secrétaire général de l’Otan, Mark Rutte, avaient permis de déboucher sur un «accord-cadre» sur le Groenland. Dans la foulée, la presse a rivalisé d’hypothèses sur le contenu possible de ce «deal» : révision de l’accord de 1951, octroi de bases militaires souveraines à Washington, «Dôme d’or» ? Jusqu’à ce que la première ministre danoise ne rappelle fermement l’essentiel : l’Otan ne peut en aucun cas négocier au nom du Danemark ou du Groenland sur la souveraineté de l’île arctique.

La raison est simple et évidente : l’Otan est une organisation internationale, pas un État souverain. Ses compétences, qui lui ont été attribuées en 1949 dans le traité de l’Atlantique nord par les États signataires, ne permettent en aucun cas à son secrétaire général de passer un accord bilatéral avec le président américain au sujet de la souveraineté d’un territoire. «Si le Secrétaire général (de l’Otan - NDLR) peut exercer une fonction de médiation (...), ses déclarations n’ont qu’une valeur politique» et «ne sauraient produire d’effets juridiques contraignants», rappelle sur X Céline de Roany, professeur de droit international. En d’autres termes, le prétendu «accord-cadre» annoncé par Donald Trump (dont le contenu n’a jamais été révélé), s’il avait jamais existé, serait nul et non avenu. » | Par Eloi Passot | vendredi 23 janvier 2026

Réservé aux abonnés

Denmark Bristles at Idea of Giving Up Any Sovereignty in Greenland

THE NEW YORK TIMES: American and NATO officials have discussed giving the United States sovereignty over U.S. military bases in Greenland. The Danes don’t seem to like that.

Danish officials pushed back on Thursday against any talk of compromising on the sovereignty of Greenland amid confusion over what kind of deal NATO leaders may have struck with President Trump over the future of the Arctic island.

“We can negotiate on everything political; security, investments, economy. But we cannot negotiate on our sovereignty,” Mette Frederiksen, Denmark’s prime minister, said in a statement on Thursday about Greenland.

Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for more than 300 years, and “only Denmark and Greenland themselves can make decisions on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland,” Ms. Frederiksen said. It is not clear whether Denmark’s position could scuttle any possible agreement over Greenland that Mr. Trump said he had reached with Mark Rutte, NATO’s secretary general, on Wednesday evening.

Mr. Trump had been insisting that the United States take over the island, despite resistance from Denmark and Greenland. He did not reveal the details of a possible breakthrough though he called it “the ultimate long term deal.” » | Jeffrey Gettleman, Maya Tekeli and Amelia Nierenberg | Jeffrey Gettleman and Amelia Nierenberg reported from London, and Maya Tekeli from Copenhagen. | Thursday, January 22, 2026

Trump Announces ‘Fake Deal’ over Greenland | Ben Wallace

Jan 22, 2026 | “Mark Rutte has probably done an excellent job of informing Donald Trump of the facts as they actually exist.”

Donald Trump’s agreement with Denmark is a “fake deal”, as it allows him to do “exactly what he could all along”, says former defence secretary Ben Wallace.

Full Keynote Speech: NATO Chief Rutte Urges Wartime Mindset as Russia Escalates Aggression

Dec 11, 2025 | NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte issues a historic warning at the Munich Security Conference, urging Europe to shift to a wartime mindset as Russia accelerates its military aggression. He calls for rapid defense expansion, unity among allies, and urgent support for Ukraine to prevent the conflict from reaching NATO territory.

A wonderful, clear, hard-hitting, reassuring speech. Thank you. — © Mark Alexander

«Papa doit parfois hausser le ton» : le surprenant surnom donné à Donald Trump par Mark Rutte lors du sommet de l’Otan

LE FIGARO : À l’issue du sommet de l’Otan à La Haye, le locataire de la Maison-Blanche a fait une comparaison entre le conflit Israël-Iran et deux enfants qui se battent.

Le secrétaire général de l'Otan, Mark Rutte, a utilisé ce mercredi un surprenant surnom pour qualifier le président américain Donald Trump : «Daddy» («Papa»). À l’issue d'un sommet de l'Alliance atlantique à La Haye, aux Pays-Bas, centré sur une hausse des dépenses de défense, le locataire de la Maison-Blanche a fait une comparaison entre le conflit Israël-Iran et deux enfants qui se battent. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 25 juin 2025

Dutch PM Mark Rutte to Leave Politics after Collapse of Government

THE GUARDIAN: Netherlands’ longest serving PM announces decision after his coalition resigned on Friday

The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, the Netherlands’ longest serving premier, said on Monday he would leave politics after a general election sparked by his government’s resignation.

His decision means the end of more than 13 years in power for the conservative leader sometimes called Teflon Mark because scandals that plagued his four different administrations did not stick to him. » | Associated Press in The Hague | Monday, July 10, 2023

Related video here.

Dutch PM Rutte Resigns after Coalition Splits over Migration | DW News

Jul 8, 2023 | Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has announced his resignation, after his governing coalition fell apart. The four parties failed to agree on measures to address immigration. Crisis talks between partners fell apart late Friday evening. Rutte is the Netherlands' longest-serving leader. His government will stay on in caretaker mode, until new elections later this year.

Der niederländische Ministerpräsident Mark Rutte ist offenbar im Visier der Drogenmafia

NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: In den Niederlanden wird gerade einem berüchtigten Drogenboss und seiner Bande der Prozess gemacht. Sollte es die «Mocro-Mafia» auch auf Mark Rutte abgesehen haben? Der Ministerpräsident steht derzeit unter erhöhtem Polizeischutz.

Ministerpräsident Mark Rutte sei seit mehreren Tagen schon nicht mehr mit seinem Velo zur Arbeit gefahren. | Imago
Mark Rutte gibt sich gerne volksnah. Allein in ausgebleichten Jeans durch Den Haag radelnd – am besten noch einen angebissenen Apfel in der rechten Hand –, so lächelt der niederländische Ministerpräsident am liebsten in die Kameras der Fotografen. Auf sichtbaren Personenschutz verzichtet er seit Jahren. Allenfalls gut versteckt im Hintergrund sollen sich die Männer mit den Knöpfen im Ohr halten. Kritik, dass dieses Verhalten leichtsinnig sein könnte, ignorierte der 54-Jährige. » | Daniel Steinvorth, Brüssel | Mittwoch, 29. September 2021

Dutch PM Given Extra Security amid Fears of Drug Gang Attack »

Dutch PM Given Extra Security amid Fears of Drug Gang Attack

THE GUARDIAN: ‘Spotters’ were seen scoping out movements of Mark Rutte, who cycles to work in The Hague

Mark Rutte on a bike in The Hague in March. Photograph: Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters
The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, who cycles to work in The Hague, has reportedly been given extra personal security in response to raised fears of a kidnapping or attack by organised crime.

The decision was made after “spotters” were seen scoping out Rutte’s movements, raising concerns about a possible move by one of the country’s drug gangs.

According to De Telegraaf newspaper, specially trained police officers from the Royal and Diplomatic Security Service (DKDB) have been deployed to shadow Rutte, who has often eschewed close protection during his 10 years as premier.

An ”elite security guard” was visibly in position during a two-day budget debate last week, which the Telegraaf reported was a result of the increased security brief. A government spokesperson declined to comment.

The far-right politician Geert Wilders tweeted: “Terrible. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Good luck Prime Minister Rutte.” » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Monday, September 27, 2021

Dutch PM on Brexit: UK Is a Waning Country Too Small to Stand Alone

THE GUARDIAN: Mark Rutte gives withering verdict as he warns against ‘devastating’ no-deal scenario

Britain is a “waning country” and too small to stand alone on the world stage, the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, has claimed in a withering assessment of the UK’s exit from the EU.

Rutte, who has emerged as a key player in the talks over the past two years, also warned in an interview that the UK looked to be sliding off the “precipice” towards a “devastating” no-deal Brexit.

“Who will be left weakened by Brexit is the United Kingdom,” he said. “It is already weakening, it is a waning country compared to two or three years ago. It is going to become an economy of middling size in the Atlantic Ocean. It is neither the US nor the EU. It is too small to appear on the world stage on its own.” » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Thursday, February 14, 2019

THE GUARDIAN: Netherlands PM uses Britain's Brexit 'chaos' as cautionary tale »

After the Dutch Vote: Prime Minister Hails Win Over "Wrong Kind of Populism"; Traditional Parties Suffer in General Elections (Parts 1 & 2)

Dutch General Election: German Chancellor Angela Merkel "Very Happy" Over Results

Mark Rutte Says Dutch People Have Rejected 'Wrong Sort of Populism'

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte says the election result, in which his VVD party comfortably beat the anti-Islam Freedom party of Geert Wilders, shows the people have said no to ‘the wrong side of populism’. As party supporters celebrate the victory around him, Rutte says the vote was also a vote for economic stability, ‘that we should not experiment, that we should continue the policies of recovery.’

Is the Far-right Headed for Victory in the Netherlands? Inside Story

The Netherlands has long been known as a country of socially liberal values.

Why should the rise in the so-called far-right in The Netherlands be an enigma? The Dutch were very liberal when there was no threat to their liberal way of life. Now that there is, the Dutch have become more 'conservative.' As Islam has grown in strength in The Netherlands, and as Islam is very regressive and illiberal, this has been the motivating factor for the rise in the far-right in the country. This should not be a surprise to anyone. – Mark

Prime Minister and Wilders Clash over Refugees

DUTCH NEWS: Prime minister Mark Rutte launched a strong attack on PVV leader Geert Wilders during the second day of debate on the government’s 2016 spending plans.

During his speech on Wednesday, Wilders had used phrases such as ‘Islamic asylum tsunami’ and described refugees as ‘testosterone bombs’ who ‘threaten our girls’. Rutte said on Thursday such terminology is ‘terrible’ and failed to make any contribution to finding a solution.

While agreeing with Wilders that some councils had not properly consulted their residents about the arrival of refugee centres, the prime minister said he had ‘very great faith’ in the Dutch people. They understand there is no simple answer to this complex problem, Rutte said.

‘We have to be fair to voters,’ Rutte said. ‘This is a complicated issue and there is no simple solution… and Wilders knows that more than anyone.’ » | Thursday, September 17, 2015

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Claims Victory
Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime minister, has claimed victory in the country's parliamentary elections. Preliminary results show his centre-right Liberal Party won 41 seats in the 150 member house. Earlier Dutch Labour Leader Diederik Samsom conceded defeat with 39 seats. Al Jazeera's Simon McGregor-Wood reports.

Die Niederlande einigen sich auf ein Sparbudget

TAGES ANZEIGER: Drei Tage nach ihrem Rücktritt hat die niederländische Regierung doch noch eine Mehrheit für ihr umstrittenes Sparbudget erreicht. Als nächstes wird es nun von der EU unter die Lupe genommen.

Drei kleinere Oppositionsparteien sagten dem amtierenden Ministerpräsidenten Mark Rutte heute ihre Unterstützung für das Sparbudget zu.

Die Koalition aus Liberalen und Christdemokraten sicherte sich die Unterstützung der kleinen sozialliberalen Partei D66 sowie der ChristenUnie und der Grünen. Zusammen verfügen die Parteien im Parlament über 77 der 150 Sitze. » | fko/sda | Donnerstag, 26. April 2012

Niederländische Regierung zurückgetreten

Verwandt »

Regierungskrise in den Niederlanden: Premier Rutte tritt zurück

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Die Regierung der Niederlande ist am Ende, weil die Haushaltsverhandlungen geplatzt sind. Premierminister Mark Rutte hat bei Königin Beatrix seinen Rücktritt eingereicht. Deutschland verliert damit einen wichtigen Verbündeten in der Euro-Krise.

Amsterdam - Der niederländische Regierungschef Mark Rutte ist nach den geplatzten Haushaltsverhandlungen zurückgetreten. Rutte habe der Königin die Auflösung seines Kabinetts angeboten. Das teilte die Regierung in Den Haag am Montagnachmittag offiziell mit. Zuvor hatte es zahlreiche Medienberichte gegeben, wonach der Premier zurücktreten wolle. » | anr/hen/heb/AFP/dpa/dapd | Montag, 23. April 2012

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte resigns over austerity measures: Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, handed his resignation to the country’s Queen after European Union demands for austerity measures to bring Holland into line with euro spending rules caused the collapse of his government. » | Bruno Waterfield | Monday, April 23, 2012

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