Mark Rutte

Yes, well, on that question, and it is a little bit, I think, repeating my previous reaction, but thank you very much for that important question.

And I think what is at core here and to the core of this question is that we all make that same analysis.

And there is no debate or discussion about that.

The analysis is sound and is there that when it comes to the high north, the Arctic region, I was myself visiting Iceland only, I think, six or eight weeks ago.

And we also extensively discussed this.

And I was in

in Norway and visiting other allies, discussing with the US and with Canada.

I was with Prime Minister Carney last week in Paris, discussing the importance of the Arctic.

So collectively, as an alliance, and particularly, of course, the southern countries who are bordering on the region, we do make this analysis that the collective defense is crucial.

We all see that through changes in weather patterns that sea lanes are opening up.

um and we have to make sure that we do everything to protect that region it is a vital part of nato territory and that's exactly why where in the past nato was not so much involved when it came to the arctic that since 2025

on the request by the seven high north allies who are bordering on the Arctic, that NATO has become more involved.

This has led to a few, as I said, very successful discussions within the NATO alliance with our ambassadors in Brussels and our ministers.

We discussed this importance and currently we are working on the next steps to make sure that indeed we collectively protect what is at stake here.

We welcome the ongoing efforts led by the United States to make this a reality.

And I'm confident that these sustained efforts will eventually restore peace in Europe.

But we will spend more because otherwise... Are you worried he might turn his back though? No, I'm not because it won't come to that. And I don't want to spend more because of Donald Trump. So he's right that we have to spend more. Absolutely. He was right. He is still right. But when you look at the facts, we should not need Donald Trump to decide to spend more on defense.

But we will spend more because otherwise... Are you worried he might turn his back though? No, I'm not because it won't come to that. And I don't want to spend more because of Donald Trump. So he's right that we have to spend more. Absolutely. He was right. He is still right. But when you look at the facts, we should not need Donald Trump to decide to spend more on defense.

We have to do it because it is in our interest.

We have to do it because it is in our interest.