Europe is living through a defining moment. War has returned to our continent, global power is shifting, and Europeans are increasingly aware that our security can no longer be taken for granted.

For decades, Europe has relied on cooperation, alliances, and goodwill. These remain essential. But today, they are no longer sufficient on their own. Europe must be capable of acting decisively, responsibly, and together to defend its citizens, its values, and its way of life.

We believe the time has come to take the next step: to design a genuine European framework for defense and security, fully democratic, firmly anchored in cooperation with NATO (if it continues to exist), and respectful of the sovereignty of Member States—yet strong enough to act when Europe must act.

This task requires not slogans, but architecture.
Not ideology, but experience.
Not division, but trust.

For this reason, we publicly invite Mark Rutte to consider taking on a historic role:

instead of leading NATO he could help design and lead the political process for European defense integration.

Mr. Rutte brings unmatched experience in European consensus-building, crisis leadership, and transatlantic cooperation. He is trusted across Europe and among our allies. His pragmatism, credibility, and sense of responsibility are precisely what this moment demands. And of course, his current position as NATO Secretary General makes him ideally suited for this new role.

We do not call for the creation of a centralized European army overnight.
We call for something more serious—and more achievable:

• a shared European defense architecture
• coordinated command and rapid-response capabilities
• joint procurement and a stronger European defense industry
• clear democratic oversight
• full complementarity with NATO (if it continues to exist)

Europe needs a builder who can turn fragmentation into cooperation, and ambition into institutions. This invitation is not partisan. It is European.

Whether Mr. Rutte chooses to accept or not, the message is clear:
Europe must stop postponing its responsibility for its own security.

Because a united Europe must also be a protected Europe.

As EU citizens, we have a responsibility to advocate for a safer and more secure Europe. By supporting this initiative, we can help forge a path towards unity and strength, ensuring that Europe is prepared to face whatever challenges the future holds.

Please join me in this crucial call to action. Let's invite Mark Rutte to lead European defense integration, and create a stronger, more unified EU that can stand firm on the global stage. Sign this petition today and make your voice heard for a collective, secure future in Europe.