“We share the same objective: to ensure the prosperity and security of our economies and societies – across Europe and North America,” he stated. The Secretary General stressed the growing need for collaboration amid an increasingly complex global security environment.
Welcomed by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, Rutte called for urgent investment in enhanced defence capabilities in light of mounting global threats. “There is no strong defence without a strong defence industry,” he said, acknowledging Airbus’ role through contributions such as the A400M aircraft and Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
The visit follows NATO’s recent agreement at the Summit in The Hague, where Allies committed to spending 5% of GDP on defence. Rutte urged the industry to “innovate and scale up production to meet NATO’s ambitious capability targets and keep our one billion people safe.”
After his speech, the Secretary General held a bilateral meeting with Mr Faury and Airbus leadership to discuss industrial collaboration. He also toured the A321 Final Assembly Line, meeting with Airbus employees to see the company’s work first-hand.
