NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is urging European allies to increase defence spending as leaders prepare for a summit in The Hague next month. His message comes as the alliance faces renewed pressure to strengthen its military readiness and share the burden more evenly across members.

Rutte's appeal underscores a long-running debate inside NATO over how much European countries should contribute to collective defence. The push for higher budgets is expected to be a central issue at the summit, where leaders will discuss security priorities, capability gaps and long-term support for the alliance.

The call also reflects wider concern about the changing security environment in Europe and beyond. As governments weigh competing domestic needs, NATO officials are seeking commitments that would translate into more troops, equipment and funding for shared defence planning.

The Hague summit is likely to test whether member states can agree on a stronger spending path without deepening political tensions at home. For now, Rutte is making clear that he wants Europe to move faster and spend more.