Europe Asia News

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered the opening speech at the Bavarian State Representation during the Munich Security Conference (MSC) held in Berlin.

At the beginning of his speech in Berlin, Rutte issued a very stark warning:

“Today I am here to tell you where NATO stands and what we must do to stop a war before it starts. And to do that, we must be absolutely clear about the threat: Russia’s next target is us, and we are already in danger.”

Rutte said that the decision taken at NATO’s Hague summit earlier this year to accelerate defense spending was welcomed, but added: “This is no time for self-congratulation. I fear too many people remain quietly indifferent. Too many do not feel the sense of urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time to act is now. Allied defense spending and production must increase rapidly. Our armed forces must have what they need to keep us safe.”