Rutte unveils “NATO 3.0” vision ahead of Ankara summit

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said member states will unveil defence contracts worth tens of billions of dollars at the alliance’s summit in Ankara on July 7–8, outlining a shift toward greater burden-sharing and expanded military-industrial capacity across the transatlantic bloc.

Writing in The Washington Post, Rutte framed the moment as a turning point for NATO, stressing the enduring strategic bond between Europe and North America while arguing that allies are moving away from long-standing reliance on the United States.

“I have always been a proud European with a transatlantic outlook. In my head and heart, I know that Europe and North America are stronger, more prosperous and more secure together,” Rutte wrote.

He described NATO as the central forum for coordinating responses to major security challenges, including Russia, terrorism and strategic competition. The alliance also underpins U.S. power projection from Europe, he noted, citing “support for almost 5,000 sorties flown by the U.S. from February to April during Operation Epic Fury in Iran.”

While emphasising NATO’s effectiveness, Rutte acknowledged past imbalances within the alliance. “NATO is an alliance that works. But over the years, I grew more concerned by a casual assumption made by many: that when action is needed, our biggest friend and ally would provide the bulk of the muscle and pick up the bulk of the check.”

He argued that this dynamic is now changing, with allies taking on greater responsibility. “Today, I say with conviction that times have changed,” Rutte wrote, adding that “renewed collective strength, not unhealthy dependencies, will drive peace, security and prosperity for the years ahead.”

At the Ankara summit, leaders are expected to focus on strengthening capabilities and rebalancing contributions across the alliance. “In Ankara, we are building for the future by ensuring that we have the forces and capabilities we need — and that responsibility is and will be more fairly shared,” he said, describing the shift as “NATO 3.0 in action: a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO.”

Rutte said allies are already implementing commitments made at last year’s summit in The Hague, including plans to raise defence-related spending to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035. According to him, European allies and Canada are already investing around 4% of GDP in defence and security, just one year into the 10-year framework.

He highlighted a sharp increase in spending, noting that “last year, America’s NATO allies spent nearly 20 percent more on core defense than they had the year before.” Combined investments for 2025 and 2026 amount to an additional $258 billion, which he described as “near the maximum new spending that can be absorbed in such a short time — and a big win.”

Rutte stressed that increased funding is being translated into operational capability. “Cash is crucial, but you can’t stop a missile or a tank with a dollar or a euro,” he wrote, adding that new investments are revitalizing the transatlantic defence industrial base.

He pointed to growing cooperation in advanced technologies and accelerated production across the alliance, from ammunition to complex weapons systems and emerging capabilities needed to address evolving threats.

“As leaders gather in Ankara, we will announce tens of billions of dollars in new contracts with companies in Europe and North America,” Rutte said, adding that these investments would also support economic growth, technological innovation and job creation. European defence orders are already sustaining 195,000 U.S. jobs, with $54 billion expected in 2025 and a further $300 billion in the pipeline.

Rutte also highlighted NATO’s deepening cooperation with Ukraine’s defence industry, particularly in drone and counter-drone technology. He described Ukraine as “a world leader in this field,” citing battlefield experience gained during Russia’s ongoing war.

“It is clear that Ukraine’s security contributes to transatlantic security,” he wrote, adding that NATO would reaffirm its support for Kyiv at the summit. European allies and Canada are already leading funding efforts, including through NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, which has facilitated the transfer of billions of dollars’ worth of U.S. military equipment financed by allies.

Rutte said continued support for Ukraine remains essential as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue.

Concluding, he emphasised NATO’s capacity to adapt despite internal differences. “NATO is not standing still, and it is not going back. We adapt. We evolve,” he wrote, adding that “open and honest conversations are a strength, not a weakness.”

“In Ankara, we will show how we are investing in defence, rebalancing our security and strengthening industry so that we can continue to stay safe in a more dangerous world,” Rutte said.

By Tamilla Hasanova