Rutte highlights Russia, China and Balkan security concerns at Montenegro press conference

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance would continue to counter efforts to destabilise the Western Balkans during a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Montenegro.

Rutte said NATO remained committed to ensuring “the troubles of the past” stay “firmly in the past”, warning that unnamed actors were attempting to disrupt regional progress. “We will call out and counter any malign activities on NATO territory,” he said.

The NATO chief also pointed to broader global security concerns, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, China’s growing influence, and instability across NATO’s southern neighbourhood. “We need strong societies defended by strong militaries because we live in a more dangerous world,” Rutte stated.

Highlighting defence spending, Rutte said NATO was “extremely strong at the moment” and credited US President Donald Trump for pushing allies towards increased military investment targets.

His remarks contrast with recent tensions within the alliance following debates over European support during the Iran conflict, and calls from Washington for NATO members to assume greater defence responsibilities.

The comments also come after the Pentagon confirmed plans to withdraw around 5,000 US troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months, while President Donald Trump has also suggested possible future reductions of American military deployments in Spain and Italy.

ℹ️ NATO