The outgoing Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, is set to become NATO’s next leader after winning Hungary’s backing by ensuring that the Hungarian military and funding will not be deployed or spent in support of Ukraine.
Hungary removed its veto on Rutte on Tuesday, with Rutte’s promises in a letter to Prime Minister Viktor Orban removing a significant impediment to him becoming NATO’s senior civilian official.
It may also enable NATO to stage a significant show of solidarity when US President Joe Biden and his counterparts gather in Washington on July 9-11. The summit commemorates NATO’s 75th anniversary.
Last week, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who is set to stand down in October, reached an agreement with Orban to assure that Hungary would not obstruct NATO’s plans for Ukraine.
Stoltenberg agreed that Hungary should not be required to supply manpower or finances for the common effort, but Orban also wanted to hear it from Rutte.
NATO makes all decisions by consensus, giving any of the 32 member countries an effective veto, including whether they should participate in any joint effort or operation.
NATO secretaries-general are in charge of chairing meetings and directing sometimes delicate negotiations among member countries to guarantee that an organization based on consensus can continue to function.
The majority of NATO partners, including important countries such as the United States and Germany, strongly support Rutte as their nominee.
