Your Majesty, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for your warm welcome. It is always a pleasure to be in beautiful Sweden, and I am honored to speak with all of you today.

As I traveled through the stunning landscape towards Sälen, I was reminded of the words of naturalist John Muir: “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” Yesterday, for three hours, those mountains indeed called, and I am grateful for the privilege of my first engagement as NATO Deputy Secretary General outside of NATO headquarters.

Being here is significant, as Sweden plays a vital role in safeguarding our shared security, and this region is of great importance to NATO. Later this week, I will travel to Lithuania and meet with our troops stationed there. Today, I want to discuss how we can face the challenges of today and tomorrow together as Allies in NATO.

NATO’s strategic vision, under new leadership, may seem daunting. It’s true that Secretary General Mark Rutte has only been in office since October, and I joined as the latest new arrival on December 1st of last year. However, we are a new leadership team with a clear sense of purpose, direction, and urgency.

We fully recognize that NATO must respond effectively now and also plan for future challenges. The current security situation is bleak; the world is more volatile and dangerous. We face war in Europe, and authoritarian powers are on the march. As democracies, it is crucial that we stand strong, united, and take immediate action.

As an Alliance, this means ramping up defense spending and production to confront our increasingly turbulent security environment. Russia poses the most significant and direct threat to our security. Its ongoing aggression in Ukraine continues, and we cannot simply return to a pre-war mindset when it ends. Russia is preparing for a long-term confrontation with us, and we must be ready.

This year, Russia’s total military spending is projected to be 7-8% of GDP, if not more. They are scaling up their defense industry with assistance from partners like China, Iran, and North Korea, all aiming to destabilize the global order and undermine our freedoms. We must remain vigilant against the ongoing campaign of hostile actions targeting NATO Allies, including cyber-attacks, sabotage, and disinformation.

A recent incident that captured media attention involved damage to an undersea cable in the Baltic Sea. NATO is actively addressing this threat by enhancing the security of undersea cables and pipelines while monitoring potential risks. Tomorrow, several leaders from the Baltic Sea NATO Allies will convene to discuss further steps, including a strengthened NATO military presence in the region.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Prime Minister for the significant Swedish contribution announced yesterday. It serves as another proof that NATO today is bigger, stronger, and more capable than it was just a few years ago, especially with the inclusion of Sweden and Finland.

We are prepared to defend our citizens and territory today, but we cannot ensure this in the future unless we take decisive action now. The Secretary General and I agree that Allies must embrace a wartime mindset. We need to accelerate defense production and increase defense spending to secure the safety of our people.

Sweden is making commendable advancements. You currently invest over 2% of GDP in defense, and this spending will rise to 2.6% by 2028. Your commitment to building up armed forces and investing in new equipment is commendable, and your concept of total defense, involving the entire society, is a model for us all.

Sweden’s defense industry is a global leader, with dynamic companies producing a wide range of capabilities. I welcome the government’s collaborative work with the private sector to enhance innovation and capacity.

Sweden’s unwavering support for Ukraine has been outstanding, with billions of euros in military assistance provided. The tanks, armored vehicles, missiles, and artillery you have supplied are crucial in aiding Ukraine’s fight for freedom. As an alliance, we must also intensify our support, moving faster and further to help Ukraine through this challenging phase of the war, enabling them to negotiate from a position of strength when the time comes.

When the Swedish flag was raised last year at NATO’s headquarters in Brussels, Prime Minister Kristersson remarked, “Sweden joining NATO is not at the end of something – it is a beginning.” And indeed, it truly is a new beginning. Sweden is already bolstering our collective security, and your high-end military capabilities will be vital to maintaining NATO’s deterrence and defense credibility now and in the future.

Sweden’s jets are patrolling NATO skies, your Navy is crucial for our maritime security, and Swedish troops will soon join NATO’s multinational brigade in Latvia. Additionally, you have offered to lead NATO’s new forward land forces to be established in Finland.

Your NATO membership contributes positively to stability in the high north, the Baltics, and beyond. I understand from experience, particularly regarding North Macedonia’s journey to join NATO, that the road to membership can often be complex and lengthy. But you have overcome significant challenges, and now you are part of the Alliance.

Every nation has the right to shape its own destiny, and we chose the path of freedom and democracy. Sweden has long recognized the threat posed by Russia and understands the importance of NATO membership. This threat manifests in various forms, and we remain vigilant.

We understand that in NATO, our nations are safer together than when acting alone. When President Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost three years ago, he sought to diminish NATO. Instead, he has resulted in a strengthened alliance.

NATO membership comes with great responsibilities for each Ally, whether a founding member or a newcomer. In return, Sweden now enjoys the protection and solidarity of 31 fellow Allies, committed to defending your sovereignty and freedom.

This is the essence of the NATO promise: if called upon, you shall come to the aid of others, and they stand ready to support you. The shield of Article Five is the ultimate guarantee of our collective security.

With your accession to NATO, you have joined a community built on values, democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. I witness Sweden reinforcing these principles daily within NATO headquarters and throughout our alliance, amid multifaceted threats that challenge our military and societal security. Our safety depends on unity and resilience.

I urge the Swedish people to remain engaged, informed, and proactive in supporting national defense and collective security. For over 75 years, NATO has existed to defend our nations, people, and values, and Sweden is now an integral part of this great transatlantic family—all for one and one for all.

Sweden can always count on NATO, and I assure you that NATO can also count on Sweden. Since your accession last year, you have significantly strengthened the alliance, enhanced Sweden’s security, and contributed to the safety of us all.

Thank you for this honor, and I look forward to our discussions.

Thank you.

Read the full speech at NATO