NATO Secretary General attends meeting of the European Political Community

Amongst other engagements, Mr Rutte met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and took part in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, at which they discussed the situation in the Western Balkans. The Secretary General also participated in a roundtable on boosting European competitiveness and security through innovation and resilience.

The war against Ukraine remained at the forefront of leaders’ minds, with the Secretary General renewing calls for Russia to engage meaningfully in peace talks. "He has to be serious about wanting peace. I think all the pressure is now on Putin” Mr Rutte said, commending the Ukrainians for attending the discussions with a delegation willing to negotiate a ceasefire.