Rutte proposed a way to keep the U.S. in NATO — Politico
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that he wants to make cooperation in the defense industry a key topic at the Alliance ministers’ meeting in Helsingborg. Rutte aims to focus on joint production of weapons and defense equipment to address the shortage of manufacturing capacity in Europe and maintain the support of the United States as NATO’s key ally.
Rutte has a new plan to prevent Donald Trump from turning away from NATO: to promise new defense deals that are beneficial to the U.S.
According to three senior NATO diplomats, the NATO Secretary General has led a campaign in recent weeks to significantly increase production and the volume of defense deals, aiming to make the July summit of alliance leaders in Ankara a success.
They say this is aimed at addressing a real shortfall in Europe, as well as creating an economic argument that resonates with Trump.
“I think it’s very good that Rutte is emphasizing this in Ankara so that we can have common standards, better operational compatibility, and produce more and cheaper,” Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard told the publication.
“We need to continue trading and continue producing weapons together, and the U.S. has some unique capabilities,” she added.
Rutte’s plan is also “good news for the U.S.,” one diplomat noted.
But any efforts to deeply involve the alliance in defense deals are likely to clash with the EU, which has unveiled legislative proposals and billions in loans to prioritize the development of the bloc’s own defense industry.
“Focusing on industry makes perfect sense to divert attention from disagreements in other areas,” said Gerlinde Nihus, a former long-time NATO official.
As is well known, Donald Trump and his inner circle have repeatedly hinted at a possible U.S. withdrawal from NATO, as allies refused to assist Washington in an operation against Iran. Another reason is that not everyone in the Alliance is willing to spend 5% of GDP on defense each year, as the American leader has insisted.
Rutte noted Sweden’s strong support for Ukraine.
Sweden is purchasing French frigates for its navy
Sweden is launching a massive review of permanent residence permits
