On Wednesday, NATO officially announced Mark Rutte as its next Secretary General, handing the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister the leadership of the world’s largest security organization during a crucial step for European security amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. .

Rutte’s appointment was confirmed by NATO ambassadors during a meeting at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels, with formal support expected from US President Joe Biden and other leaders at a summit in Washington on July 9-11.

Rutte will take office on October 1, replacing Norway’s Jens Stoltenberg, who has led NATO for more than a decade. Stoltenberg’s term was extended several times to ensure continuity following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Stoltenberg commented, “I warmly welcome the choice of Mark Rutte by the NATO allies as his successor.

“He is a true trans-Atlanticist, a strong leader and consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we work to strengthen N.ATO for the challenges of today and tomorrow. I am confident that N.ATO is in capable hands,” Stoltenberg said.

The Secretary General chairs meetings to facilitate the smooth functioning of NATO and guides sensitive consultations among member states, based on consensus. Additionally, NATO leaders oversee the implementation of decisions and represent all members on the global stage.

Despite strong support from the White House and key N.ATO members such as Germany, Mark Rutte faced significant obstacles in gaining office. He ultimately became the sole candidate after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew his candidacy last week.

Earlier this month, Hungary withdrew its objections after Rutte assured Budapest that it would not be forced to contribute personnel or money to a future aid plan for Ukraine. NATO’s requirement to make unanimous decisions allows any member to veto projects and operations.

Turkey also initially opposed Rutte’s candidacy but withdrew its objections in April.