Rutte hopes Europeans will assume more of their security as it's unsustainable for the US

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is calling on European allies and Canada to shoulder more of their defense burden, emphasizing that the current level of U.S. support is unsustainable. Speaking ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, Stoltenberg expressed confidence that progress will be made to "rebalance" responsibilities and ensure a more equitable distribution of security commitments.

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We are fulfilling the commitments acquired in The Hague to invest in our defense. We will ensure that the situation is rebalanced for the better, distributing the responsibility for our common security equitably.

"We are fulfilling the commitments made in The Hague to invest in our defense. We will ensure that the situation is rebalanced for the better, distributing the responsibility for our common security equitably," Stoltenberg stated, referencing last year's summit. The 32 allied leaders gathering in Turkey will address key issues including increased defense spending, stimulating the military industry, and continued support for Ukraine.

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I would say that NATO, as it was three, four or five years ago, was not sustainable. It is not sustainable that we ask a country with 350 million inhabitants, located eight hours' flight from here, to defend against the Russians, while 600 million people living in this part of NATO - the richest in the world - depend excessively on the United States.

Stoltenberg highlighted the imbalance, noting that it is not sustainable for a country of 350 million people (the U.S.) to defend against Russia while 600 million people in the wealthier part of NATO rely excessively on American support. He expressed hope for a scenario where the U.S. continues to provide crucial nuclear and conventional support to the alliance, but with a stronger role for Europe. He also mentioned a recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, where he presented data on the increased defense spending by European nations and Canada, partly attributed to Trump's firm stance.

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I had a pleasant meeting with President Trump and we talked about the impressive increase in defense spending by Europeans and Canadians. Of course, this is due to Putin, to Russia and to Ukraine, but also because he, President Trump, has been very firm, encouraging us to take this step.

The summit will also involve partners from Ukraine, the European Union, the Pacific, and the Gulf, underscoring the importance of cooperation. Stoltenberg reiterated that NATO represents nearly two-thirds of the global economy and unites its members because cooperation is fundamental to their security.

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For the next two days, the 32 allies, along with partners from Ukraine, the European Union, the Pacific region and the Gulf, will meet to ensure that NATO continues to act jointly. We represent almost two-thirds of the world economy and we unite because we know that cooperation is fundamental.