Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO. I know I am lea… - Mark Rutte

On average, European countries easily spend up to a quarter of their national income on pensions, health and social security systems. We need a small fraction of that money to make our defences much stronger, and to preserve our way of life.

The more we help Ukraine at the moment, the sooner [the war] will end. The cost of supporting Ukraine is far, far lower, than the cost we would face if we allow Putin to get his way.

Mark has the perfect background to become a great secretary-general. He has served as prime minister for 14 years and led four different coalition governments … therefore he knows how to make compromises, create consensus, and these are skills which are very much valued here at NATO.