Mark Rutte Officially Selected as Next Secretary General by NATO Members

NATO allies chose Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday as the next leader of NATO.

Rutte will have to face multiple challenges in his new role, including supporting Ukraine at the beginning of winter, when Russia usually intensifies its attacks on energy infrastructure, and navigating potentially Trump’s presidency.

Rutte's appointment was confirmed as a formality during a meeting at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, after his sole rival for the position, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, withdrew from the race last week after failing to gain traction.

US President Joe Biden and other leaders will officially welcome him at a summit in Washington scheduled for July 9-11.