NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on European allies to increase defense spending, saying the continent needs to shoulder more of the security burden as Washington looks more closely at Asia. His comments reflect growing concern inside the alliance over how to balance resources between Europe’s defense needs and U.S. priorities elsewhere.

Rutte argued that Europe cannot assume the United States will continue carrying the same level of responsibility indefinitely. He said allies should invest more now to strengthen deterrence and prepare for a more uncertain security environment.

The remarks come at a time when NATO members are under pressure to meet higher military spending targets and expand their defense capabilities. Leaders across Europe have faced renewed scrutiny over readiness, weapons stockpiles, and long-term support for Ukraine.

The debate underscores a broader shift in transatlantic relations, with European governments being pushed to take on a larger role in their own defense. For NATO, that means building a more capable alliance while maintaining unity as strategic attention increasingly turns beyond the continent.