On Thursday (10 September 2026), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed the annual German Heads of Mission Conference in Berlin, highlighting Germany's leadership in building a stronger Europe within a stronger, fairer and more capable NATO. Mr Rutte said Germany is leading in the most profound transformation of the Alliance since the Cold War - NATO 3.0 - in which European Allies and Canada take greater responsibility for their security. There is a shift in mindset that "security is not something the US should do for us, but with us," the Secretary General noted.
The Secretary General highlighted Germany's substantial contributions to Allied security, including a new armoured brigade permanently stationed in Lithuania, the First German-Netherlands Corps taking on a new command role on NATO's eastern flank, and German aircraft and ships supporting NATO's deterrence and defence. Mr Rutte commended Germany's defence industry, from world-leading companies to innovative start-ups. "You are producing more, and doing more for our Alliance," he said. "Revitalising our defence industrial base is not only good for our security - it is good for our economies too."
In his remarks together with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Mr Rutte emphasised the support for Germany following Russia's reckless hybrid attack at Leipzig airport. "NATO stands in full solidarity with Germany. You have 31 friends and Allies by your side," he said. Mr Rutte made clear that the Alliance' answer will be more support for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression. Mr Rutte thanked Germany for its leading role and emphasised the Alliance' unity in collective defence, and in its support for Ukraine.
