Europe live: Mark Rutte formally selected as next Nato head

Key events

Rishi Sunak, the British prime minister, has congratulated Mark Rutte on his appointment as the next Nato secretary-general.

Congratulations @MarkRutte on your confirmation as NATO’s next Secretary-General.

I am confident you will continue @jensstoltenberg's outstanding work in keeping NATO strong and united, as we work to strengthen our collective defence and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 26, 2024

In a social media post, the outgoing Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, said “it is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO.”

“The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security,” he said.

“Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me,” he added.

It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I…
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) June 26, 2024

The current Nato secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, has praised his successor, Mark Rutte.

“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 leaving NATO in good hands,” he said.

I warmly welcome #NATO Allies' choice of @MinPres Mark Rutte as my successor. 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 leaving NATO in good hands.https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) June 26, 2024

Mark Rutte, the outgoing Dutch prime minister, has formally been selected as the next secretary-general of Nato.

The defensive alliance said in a statement:

On Wednesday (26 June 2024), the North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg. Mr Rutte will assume his functions as Secretary General from 1 October 2024, when Mr Stoltenberg’s term expires after ten years at the helm of the Alliance.