NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is implementing significant job cuts as part of a comprehensive restructuring plan for the military alliance. Rutte, who took office last October, has decided to eliminate two divisions and reduce numerous positions at NATO’s headquarters in Brussels, according to several officials familiar with the matter.
Restructuring efforts amid geopolitical tensions
Sources indicate that Rutte’s reorganization will involve scrapping the Public Diplomacy Division and the Executive Management Division, which will see their functions absorbed by other divisions. This restructuring comes amid heightened concerns regarding the future of NATO, particularly with U.S. President Donald Trump’s skepticism about the alliance and the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“He is basically DOGEing NATO,” said one official, referring to the drastic measures taken by Elon Musk to streamline the U.S. government earlier this year.
The cuts, while substantial, are described as not being “significantly high” and come with plans for new hires within the alliance. Rutte’s strategy aims to create a more efficient NATO, ensuring its adaptability to the complexities of modern geopolitical landscapes.
Job cuts and structural changes
In the months following his appointment, Rutte has convened two internal meetings to discuss these changes. Among those affected, Marie-Doha Besancenot, who led the Public Diplomacy Division, left her position in March and has not been replaced. Similarly, Carlo Borghini, head of the Executive Management Division, will also be losing his role as part of the overhaul.
NATO presently employs about 4,000 staff members, including roughly 1,500 international employees, many of whom are temporary workers. There is a notable shift underway to decrease reliance on temporary contracts and transition more positions into permanent roles. This move is seen as crucial for maintaining consistency within the organization.
As Rutte continues to reshape NATO’s structure, he faces the challenge of ensuring that the alliance retains its relevance and effectiveness, particularly as he negotiates with Trump and other allies on defense priorities.
According to Alexander Mattelaer, a senior research fellow, Rutte’s efforts are aimed at maximizing efficiency and aligning NATO’s resources with its core objectives. “Rutte is reshaping the supporting staff structure at headquarters in line with what he sees as the big priorities,” he noted.
A senior NATO official affirmed that Rutte is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of the alliance, stating that the current reorganization process has been initiated with input from staff and enjoys the approval of member nations.
As NATO prepares for its critical summit in The Hague, Rutte’s ability to manage these changes will be vital in ensuring the alliance’s continued adaptability and effectiveness in facing evolving global threats.