NATO Must Go Further, Faster to Increase Defense Spending: Secretary-General

Mark Rutte was speaking at a press conference in Brussels ahead of a meeting by member states’ defense ministers in the Belgian capital.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte speaks during a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, on June 4, 2025. Bob Reijnders /Middle East Images via AFP via Getty Images

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on June 4 that the military alliance needs to go further and faster in its efforts to increase defense spending.

Speaking at a news conference in Brussels ahead of a meeting of defense ministers from member states, Rutte outlined the challenges facing the alliance both now and in the years ahead.