On 11 December 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Berlin for meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
In a joint press conference with the German Chancellor, the Secretary General thanked Mr. Merz for Germany’s contributions to NATO and its steadfast support to Ukraine. Mr. Rutte continued: “Germany is leading by example and sending an important signal. A signal that Europe is ready to take on more responsibility (…), that burden sharing is not just a slogan, but a concrete commitment. And a signal to any adversary that NATO remains strong, united, and fully capable of defending our territory.”
Later in the day, the Secretary General gave a speech, hosted by the Munich Security Conference, emphasising that “Allied defence spending and production must rise rapidly, our armed forces must have what they need to keep us safe, and Ukraine must have what it needs to defend itself.” He emphasised, “The time for action is now.”