Mark Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, assumes the role of NATO Secretary-General from Jens Stoltenberg, emphasizing the need for increased defence spending and stronger ties with Indo-Pacific allies.
Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has taken on the role of NATO Secretary-General, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg, who led the alliance for the past decade.
The transition occurred during a formal ceremony in Brussels, marked by a handshake and a wreath-laying at NATO headquarters. After the event, Rutte and Stoltenberg attended a meeting with ambassadors from the North Atlantic Council to formalize the new appointment. Stoltenberg expressed confidence in his successor, stating that NATO is in capable hands moving forward.
Rutte expressed his gratitude to NATO allies for placing their trust in him for the new role. "It is a big job, and I have big shoes to fill," he said.
In his first press conference, Rutte urged NATO allies to increase defense spending and highlighted the importance of ending the Ukraine conflict for European security. He also called for closer cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners due to China’s destabilizing role and support for Putin.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Brussels, Belgium from April 2-4. In Brussels, he will attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting to discuss security priorities for the Alliance, including increased Allied defense investment and securing lasting peace in Ukraine.
Russia’s presidential aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board, Nikolay Patrushev, has claimed that Europe and NATO "deliberately escalate" situation in the Baltic region and expressed concerns over growing military threats to Russia.
U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his interest in acquiring Greenland, promising prosperity and security for the island. While most Greenlanders oppose U.S. ownership, the move has fuelled independence talks. Denmark insists Greenland is not for sale, citing strong U.S.-NATO ties.
Samsung has appointed Roh Tae-moon as interim head of its consumer and smartphone unit following the passing of Han Jong-hee. With CEO Jun Young-hyun now solely leading the company, Samsung faces key challenges in its chip business and rising competition.
The upcoming Beatles biopic will be told through four films.
Russian billionaire Vadim Moshkovich, founder of Rusagro, faces charges of embezzling 30 billion roubles ($357 million). His arrest is among the most high-profile in Russia’s business world in recent years.
The Swiss government announced on Tuesday that the value of Russian assets frozen in the country has risen to 7.4 billion Swiss francs ($8.38 billion) by the end of March 2025, up from 5.8 billion francs last year, due to newly identified funds and ongoing investigations into sanctions violations.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Russian billionaire Vadim Moshkovich, founder of Rusagro, faces charges of embezzling 30 billion roubles ($357 million). His arrest is among the most high-profile in Russia’s business world in recent years.
India's government has introduced a bill proposing sweeping reforms in the management of waqf properties, allowing non-Muslim members on waqf boards and enabling the state to determine disputed land ownership, sparking concerns among Muslim groups and opposition lawmakers.
Greece plans to invest €25 billion in a sweeping multi-year defence strategy, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament on Wednesday, marking a major step in modernising the country’s armed forces and reinforcing its strategic posture amid regional tensions and global uncertainty.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi on Wednesday, as both nations looked to deepen their strategic partnership and navigate rising global tensions through renewed diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to appear in court on Wednesday over allegations of failing to pay €1 million in taxes on image rights earnings during his first tenure at the club. Prosecutors seek a prison sentence of nearly five years and a €3.2 million fine.
Samsung has appointed Roh Tae-moon as interim head of its consumer and smartphone unit following the passing of Han Jong-hee. With CEO Jun Young-hyun now solely leading the company, Samsung faces key challenges in its chip business and rising competition.
The upcoming Beatles biopic will be told through four films.
Russian billionaire Vadim Moshkovich, founder of Rusagro, faces charges of embezzling 30 billion roubles ($357 million). His arrest is among the most high-profile in Russia’s business world in recent years.
The Swiss government announced on Tuesday that the value of Russian assets frozen in the country has risen to 7.4 billion Swiss francs ($8.38 billion) by the end of March 2025, up from 5.8 billion francs last year, due to newly identified funds and ongoing investigations into sanctions violations.
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