IRIA News

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Bucharest, Romania, on November 5–6, 2025, where he met with President Nicușor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, and other senior officials. During the visit, Rutte reaffirmed NATO’s collective defense capability amid growing concerns over the partial withdrawal of US troops.

At a joint press conference with President Dan, Rutte said the alliance’s collective defense capability makes it “absolutely unbeatable,” expressing confidence that no adversary would dare to attack any NATO member.

“If this country were under attack, there would be 31 other nations coming to the rescue of Romania. This is how NATO works,” Rutte said. “And I think this makes us unbeatable, absolutely unbeatable. And that is why I believe that nobody will ever try.”

Rutte described Romania as a “steadfast and valued ally” in the strategically important Black Sea region, highlighting its leadership alongside Bulgaria and Turkiye in expanding demining and patrol operations. Rutte also reaffirmed that NATO remains vigilant amid repeated Russian drone incursions into Romanian airspace.

“NATO takes these incidents extremely seriously, and we will remain vigilant,” he said. “Deterrence is the bedrock of our defense, and so we are making crystal clear that NATO is ready, willing, and able to do what it takes to defend.”

Rutte also attended the NATO Industry Forum to urge stronger defense production and closer industry cooperation.

Reassurance after US’s withdrawal from Romania

Addressing recent concerns about the partial withdrawal of U.S. forces from Romania, Rutte downplayed fears that the move signaled waning American commitment. “Adjustments to U.S. force posture are not unusual,” he said.

“And even with this adjustment, the U.S. force posturing in Europe remains larger than it has been for many years. There are still many more U.S. forces on the continent than before 2022,” he added.

Rutte emphasized that the United States remains a key contributor to NATO’s eastern defense. “The U.S. has a big presence in Europe, and that presence is there… These adjustments take place. Please don’t read too much into that,” he added.

According to NATO figures, between 80,000 and 100,000 U.S. troops are deployed across Europe at any given time, depending on operations and exercises. The U.S. recently announced that it would withdraw a rotating brigade from Romania and not replace it, describing the move as “a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility.”

Romania’s Role in NATO Defense

President Dan said Romania remains committed to its defense obligations and to strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. “The Eastern Sentry operation and the military exercise that is being conducted now are proof that we are coordinating for large movements of military troops,” he said, referring to the alliance’s latest joint activities.

The NATO Secretary General also praised Romania’s contributions to alliance readiness through ongoing exercises such as Dacian Fall, held this month in Romania and Bulgaria. The drills involve around 5,000 troops from 10 NATO member countries.

“We are able, whenever necessary, to immediately get all the troops in Romania needed to bring the forward land forces to the level where they can help to defend Romania,” Rutte said.

President Dan added that he had “no concern” over the U.S. withdrawal, saying that recent operations demonstrate strong coordination among NATO allies. “The military exercise that is being conducted now is proof that we are coordinating for large movements of military troops,” he said.

Rutte also discussed NATO’s growing cooperation with the European Union, particularly in countering emerging threats such as drone incursions. He described NATO-EU collaboration on anti-drone technology as “a powerful combination,” underscoring how innovation and shared defense investments are key to maintaining Europe’s security edge.

NATO Industry Forum in Bucharest

The NATO chief’s visit coincided with the 2025 NATO Industry Forum, hosted in Bucharest. The event brought together alliance officials, defense ministers, and industry leaders to discuss ways to boost defense production, innovation, and resilience across the defense sector.

During his speech at the forum, Rutte underlined the “importance of increased defense production and the value of closer ties with industry,” stressing that Europe’s long-term security depends on strengthening its defense industrial base.

Unwavering Eastern Flank Defense

NATO Secretary General Rutta and Romanian President Dan reiterated that NATO’s presence in the region remains robust and that collective defense guarantees are not in question. “NATO is ready, willing, able to do what it takes to defend,” Rutte said, adding that “Our deterrence is working, and our unity is our greatest strength.”

President Dan echoed that sentiment, emphasizing Romania’s commitment to alliance goals and readiness. “We are strong because we are united, and we will continue to stand with our allies in defense of peace and security,” he said.

Rutte concluded his visit by reaffirming that NATO’s unity and preparedness ensure the security of all its members. “We are unbeatable,” he said, “because we stand together.”