NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte voiced concerns regarding the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. During a debate at the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence in Brussels, Rutte emphasized that the alliance would not allow a security vacuum in the Western Balkans.

“The key issues in the Western Balkans are the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the relations between Kosovo and Serbia,” Rutte stated, adding that NATO remains closely engaged in the region to maintain stability.

He underscored the alliance's commitment to preventing destabilization, particularly with upcoming elections in Kosovo in February. “We are in contact with both Kosovo and Serbia to ensure that these elections do not lead to instability. This is crucial. The Western Balkans is a key neighbourhood, and we must stay committed to its security,” Rutte said.

Strengthening EU-NATO cooperation

Given the growing security challenges, Rutte called for enhanced cooperation between NATO and the European Union. He pointed to Russia’s continued attempts to destabilize NATO member states and the European bloc, emphasizing the need for increased investment in security and defence.

“We are deeply concerned about the security of Europe. While we are not at war we are not at peace either,” he warned.

Calls for increased defense spending

The NATO chief reiterated the alliance's goal for member states to allocate at least two percent of their GDP to defence spending. Although this target was established over a decade ago, many members have yet to meet it, despite increased defense budgets following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Two-thirds of NATO members now dedicate at least two percent of their GDP to defence. But this is far from sufficient. For adequate defence, we need much more,” Rutte stressed.

He concluded by reaffirming NATO’s commitment to ensuring the security of the Western Balkans and strengthening the alliance’s resilience in these uncertain times.