Rome: Europe is expected to take greater responsibility for its own defense as the United States gradually shifts more strategic focus toward the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Friday. Speaking after a meeting of foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rutte said NATO is moving toward a more 'structured and step-by-step' adjustment in which European allies and Canada increase their share of defense commitments while Washington maintains its central role in the alliance's deterrence structure.

According to Anadolu Agency, Rutte emphasized that over time, the US will pivot more towards these other areas in the world, but this shift does not weaken transatlantic ties. European allies are expected to continue raising defense spending and strengthening military capabilities to assume more responsibility within NATO's European security framework. Meanwhile, the US is expected to remain engaged in Europe through both conventional and nuclear deterrence.

Rutte reiterated NATO's commitment to collective defense under Article 5, describing the alliance as a defensive organization focused on deterrence and readiness. He stressed that the commitment to Article Five is ironclad, and any attack on an ally would result in a devastating response. Additionally, Rutte confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been invited to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Trkiye's capital Ankara and praised Trkiye's defense industry for its significant role within the alliance.

Turning to tensions in the Middle East, Rutte noted that countries are coordinating efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying maritime assets such as mine-hunting capabilities. He mentioned that while NATO is involved in the discussions, it is not leading the efforts, emphasizing the importance of open transit through the straits.