Rutte Says Europe, Canada, Ready for More NATO Responsibilities

The NATO chief said the United States has adjusted its pledged contributions and that other allies have stepped up to contribute more.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte holds a press conference ahead of a defense ministers' meeting at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on June 17, 2026. Yves Herman/Reuters

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said European allies and Canada are now more capable and ready to take on further responsibility within the alliance as the United States adjusts its pledges to the NATO Force Model.

The remarks came two weeks after U.S. officials informed NATO allies that Washington would reduce its contributions to the Force Model, a framework that identifies which military forces member states would provide during a crisis or conflict.