Overview
- At the NATO Industry Forum in Bucharest, Mark Rutte called on allied defense firms to expand capacity, open new lines and prepare for significantly higher output.
- He pledged political backing for long-term government contracts, faster procurement and increased investment to give manufacturers predictable demand.
- Rutte said allies have surpassed Russia in ammunition production for the first time in years, citing dozens of new production lines opening across the alliance.
- He warned the security threat from Moscow will persist after the war and noted support for Russia from China, North Korea and Iran.
- Building on Hague summit decisions to raise defense spending and production, Rutte praised the EU’s defense readiness roadmap and highlighted closer NATO–EU coordination, including the EU defense commissioner’s address to the North Atlantic Council.