Prime Minister Mark Rutte, together with NATO point man Stoltenberg, took the lead in organizing the mini-summit at the Catshuis. According to the prime minister, it is “a mix of countries inside and outside the EU”. We are joined by the leaders of Romania, Belgium, Poland, Norway, Albania and Lithuania.
According to Rutte’s party comrade and member of parliament Brekelmans, the meeting is an important step towards a big NATO summit in Lithuania next month. ‘It is a group of countries with very different points of view. If they can reach a consensus, it will be easier for Stoltenberg to involve the big countries later.”
Also listen | Rutte’s mini NATO summit
Security insurance
What will Rutte then discuss with the other heads of government? According to Brekelmans, security assurance for Ukraine will be central. Support for Kiev has been rather ad hoc so far. Now NATO countries are discussing how to provide a multi-year security guarantee to Ukraine. He then covers support during the transition period leading up to potential NATO membership, of which nobody knows how long it will last.’
Furthermore, according to Brekelmans, the mini-top is an excellent opportunity for smaller countries to have their say with the NATO summit. “Because it is often the four main NATO countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, who discuss the important issues.”