Brussels: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday reiterated his call for a stronger Europe and Canada within the alliance, while stressing the need for a more equitable sharing of responsibilities. During a joint news briefing with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, Rutte pointed to the term "NATO 3.0" and called for a stronger Europe and Canada "in a stronger NATO."

According to Anadolu Agency, Rutte emphasized the necessity for Europe and Canada to increase their contributions to NATO, advocating for a fairer distribution of responsibilities among the member nations alongside the United States. Colby highlighted the progress being made in Europe, describing ongoing discussions about how Europe can take on greater responsibility for its own conventional defense.

Colby further reaffirmed the United States' commitment to NATO, emphasizing that Europe remains a critical interest for the country. He also underscored the spirit of consultation and engagement that characterizes the US approach to its involvement with NATO.