Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is set to become NATO's new Secretary General, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg. Rutte secured the position after Hungary lifted its veto, following his promise to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán that Hungary could opt out of NATO's support measures for Ukraine. Slovakia also endorsed Rutte's candidacy. Stoltenberg confirmed that NATO is close to finalizing Rutte's appointment, with Romania being the only remaining country yet to officially support the decision. Dutch media reported on June 18 that Rutte provided written assurances to Orbán. Rutte, a conservative leader and a known critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been a significant figure in European politics since 2010.
