Secretary General in Munich: NATO is strongest since end of the Cold War

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Secretary General Mark Rutte attended the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Friday and Saturday (13-14 February 2026). In his meetings and engagements during the conference, Mr Rutte stressed the importance of a strong Europe within NATO and continued support to Ukraine.

The Secretary General told reporters that he believed NATO was stronger than at any point since the end of the Cold War. “We will see a NATO more European-led”, Mr Rutte said, “but at the same time, the US [remains] absolutely anchored in the Organization.” He also stressed the importance of continued support to Ukraine, while praising Allies for the recent pledges of military aid.

During the conference, the Secretary General held a range of bilateral meetings, including with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy; US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; Moldovan President Maia Sandu; Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles; Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi; Japan’s Minister of Defence, Shinjirō Koizumi; New Zealand’s Minister of Defence, Judith Collins; the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Lana Nusseibeh, various industry leaders and delegations of the US Congress.

The Secretary General also took part in various official conference events including a panel discussion on securing long-term support for Ukraine, as well as a Transatlantic Forum, organised by the Bavarian Minister President.